Alec Baldwin was rehearsing a scene that involved pointing a prop gun at the camera lens when he fatally shot cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and injured director Joel Souza, as per media reports that cited an affidavit recording the director's account.
Joel, who was standing behind Halyna when the gun was fired said he heard what "sounded like a whip and then loud pop," according to the affidavit released to US media on Sunday. Joel said that he was looking over Halyna's shoulder when her heard the gun fire. In the affidavit, Joel says he remembered Halyna, "complaining about her stomach and grabbing her midsection."
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There are no words to convey my shock and sadness regarding the tragic accident that took the life of Halyna Hutchins, a wife, mother and deeply admired colleague of ours. I'm fully cooperating with the police investigation to address how this tragedy occurred and— AlecBaldwin(HABF) (@AlecBaldwin) October 22, 2021
The affidavit further said, "Joel also said Halyna began to stumble backwards and she was assisted to the ground. Joel explained that he was bleeding from his shoulder and he could see blood on Halyna." Halyna was struck in the chest when Baldwin fired the prop gun he was told was safe on the sets of his film Rust. She was declared dead in hospital hours later but Joel was treated and sent home.
2- I am in touch with her husband, offering my support to him and his family. My heart is broken for her husband, their son, and all who knew and loved Halyna.
— AlecBaldwin(HABF) (@AlecBaldwin) October 22, 2021
The incident is being investigated by the Police and a search warrant was executed at the set. Baldwin has been interviewed by detectives in Santa Fe and has said he is cooperating fully with the authorities. He also expressed his grief and mourned the loss of his cinematographer. The shooting incident has got the film's assistant director, Dave Halls, under scrutiny as he handed the weapon to the actor and 24-year-old armore Hannah Gutierrez-Reed.
— AlecBaldwin(HABF) (@AlecBaldwin) October 23, 2021
However, no one has been charged with any offence. The incident occured after lunch break when the crew were still preparing for the shot and hence it was not caught on camera as reported by Joel, who also said that he wasn't sure if the gun had been checked again for safety after the break.
(Source: AFP)
