Director injured ‘devastated’ by Halyna Hutchins death in accidental on-set shooting

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SANTA FE – The film director who was injured on set when Alec Baldwin fired a prop pistol said Saturday that he was “devastated” by the death of the film’s cinematographer, as more details emerged suggesting that the production ran into trouble even before the accidental shooting.

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Joel Souza, who was hit in the shoulder Thursday when Baldwin fired a prop pistol that unexpectedly contained a live round while rehearsing a scene, broke his silence as the investigation entered its third day, with multiple questions pending as to how the error.

“I am devastated by the loss of my friend and colleague, Halyna. She was kind, vibrant, incredibly talented, she fought for every inch and always pushed me to be better, ”Souza said in a statement.

The shot struck cinematographer Halyna Hutchins in the chest, according to the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office. She died of her injuries and Souza, who was behind her, was injured but later released from the hospital. .

Just hours before the incident on the New Mexico set of “Rust,” a low-budget western, several crew members resigned in protest at what they saw as poor working conditions, according to multiple media outlets.

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The Los Angeles Times reported that last week, Baldwin’s stunt double accidentally fired two rounds with a backup firearm after being told it was “cold,” an industry term that means a gun is not loaded. with ammunition, including spotlights. At least one employee complained to a production manager about gun safety on set, the newspaper reported, citing unidentified crew members.

The same mistake could have occurred on Thursday, according to court records. An assistant principal, Dave Halls, handed Baldwin the backup pistol and told him it was a “cold pistol,” according to a sheriff’s office affidavit that was filed as part of a search warrant application.

Halls could not be reached for comment on Saturday.

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A Santa Fe judge approved the order Friday, allowing authorities to seize firearms, clothing, cameras, videotapes and ammunition from the Bonanza Creek Ranch on the outskirts of Santa Fe.

Rust Movie Productions said in a statement Friday that it had not been aware of any security concerns, but was investigating the incident.

“Although we were not informed of any official complaints related to the safety of weapons or accessories on set, we will conduct an internal review of our procedures while production closes,” the company said. Baldwin is among the film’s producers.

It is unclear why the weapon contained a real bullet. The person in charge of weapons on set is known as a gunsmith; “Rust” gunsmith Hannah Gutierrez had armed the gun and two other people, according to the affidavit.

Gutiérrez could not be reached for comment Saturday.

No charges have been filed in the case and police have said the investigation is ongoing. Security guards were posted on the road leading to the ranch on Saturday.

The International Guild of Cinematographers planned to hold a candlelight vigil for Hutchins, 42, Saturday night in Albuquerque, about 40 miles (64 km) from the ranch. A second vigil was scheduled for Sunday in the Los Angeles area.

“Halyna inspired us all with her passion and vision, and her legacy is too significant to sum up in words. Our loss is enormous, ”her husband Matt Hutchins wrote on Twitter.

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The American Film Institute established a scholarship fund for female filmmakers in honor of Hutchins.

Baldwin, 63, best known for his roles on the television sitcom “30 Rock” and his “Saturday Night Live” impersonations of former US President Donald Trump, said Friday that he was shocked and heartbroken over Hutchins’ death and that he was cooperating fully with the authorities.