An investigation is underway after a deadly shooting on the set of an AlecBaldwin western being filmed in New Mexico. Now we’re learning more about what happened.
- The person who fired the prop gun was Baldwin himself, apparently after having been told it was safe.
- The film's director of photography, Halyna Hutchins was shot in the chest, while director Joel Souza was injured in the shoulder.
- According to an affidavit, Souza has told investigators that three people were handling the gun for the scene: armorer Hannah Gutierrez Reed, then assistant director Dave Halls, who handed the gun to Baldwin.
- The affidavit says that Halls had taken one of three prop guns set up by Gutierrez Reed on a cart left outside the structure because of COVID-19 restrictions. Halls reportedly didn’t know live rounds were in the gun when he handed it to Baldwin, and yelled “cold gun.”
- As the shot was getting set up, Baldwin was explaining how he was going to draw his gun and where his arm would be. But when he pulled the gun from the holster, it discharged. No cameras were rolling at the time.
- The search warrant says camera operator Reid Russell recalled hearing a loud bang, seeing Souza bloodied – and hearing Hutchins say she couldn’t feel her legs.
No charges have been filed as yet, but that could change. The production company says that cast and crew safety is their top priority and that an internal review is underway.
- Meanwhile, the American Film Institute is setting up a scholarship for women cinematographers in Hutchins' memory. The goal is to “help female cinematographers build sustainable careers in the movie business,.”
Source: Los Angeles Times