‘Rust’ Movie Shooting: Updates on the Tragic Case as Armorer Found Guilty of Involuntary Manslaughter

What Happened?

Deputies in the area were dispatched around 1:50 p.m. local time after a 911 call about a shooting on the set of Rust on October 21.

Shock on Set

Baldwin fired a stage firearm that killed Hutchins and injured Souza.

Alec Breaks His Silence

“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,” Baldwin tweeted one day after the incident on October 22, 2021. “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.”

Latest Developments

The Santa Fe New Mexican reported that Baldwin was seen in tears after the incident took place, sharing photos of him on the phone and looking distraught. 

“Baldwin was a wreck afterwards,” a source close to the set tells In Touch. “It happened either during a rehearsal or the take. Most of the camera crew walked before this happened due to safety concerns.”

Investigation Underway

No charges have been made and the investigation is still ongoing.

Speaking Out

“The entire cast and crew have been absolutely devastated by today’s tragedy, and we send our deepest condolences to Halyna’s family and loved ones,” Rust Movie Productions LLC shared in a statement to E! News. “We have halted production on the film for an undetermined period of time and are fully cooperating with the Santa Fe Police Department’s investigation. We will be providing counseling services to everyone connected to the film as we work to process this awful event.”

911 Call Revealed

Additional details about the incident were revealed when TMZ released audio of the 911 call. The caller, who identified herself as the film’s script supervisor, explained to the 911 dispatcher that the crew had been rehearsing a scene when the gun discharged.

“We have two people accidentally shot on a movie set by a prop gun,” she said. “We need help immediately.”

She added that after the gun misfired, “we all ran out.” While the script supervisor said she “didn’t know” if the gun was loaded with a real bullet, she said she Hutchins and Souza were “doubled over” when she saw them and did not know the extent of their injuries.

Moments later, another person took over the call and told the operator that Hutchins and Souza were “alert” following the shooting and that a set medic was assessing them.

Baldwin Was Unknowingly Handed a Gun With Live Ammunition

Baldwin did not know the gun he was holding was loaded during rehearsals, according to a search warrant affidavit obtained by In Touch on October 24.

An assistant director picked up a prop gun from a rolling cart prepared by the armorer and handed it to Baldwin, authorities revealed in the affidavit. After the assistant director picked up the weapon, they yelled “Cold Gun!” — which is a phrase used on movie sets that indicates that the gun is not loaded and is safe to handle. Neither Baldwin nor the assistant director were aware that the gun was loaded with live ammunition, the affidavit stated.

A GoFundMe Raises Money for Hutchins’ Family

The Local 600 chapter of the International Cinematographers Guild, based in Hollywood, started a GoFundMe for Hutchins, who was a member.

“In memory of Halyna, Local 600 has set up this GoFundMe page to help raise funds for her family at this difficult time,” the fund raiser’s description read. “We encourage you to donate if you can.”

At the time of publication, the GoFundMe has raised $93,786, surpassing its goal of $10,000.

‘Rust’ Director Releases Statement Following Accident

Souza, who was hospitalized after the incident but ultimately released later that same night, provided a statement to Deadline on October 23. 

“I am gutted by the loss of my friend and colleague, Halyna. She was kind, vibrant, incredibly talented, fought for every inch, and always pushed me to be better,” he told the outlet. 

“My thoughts are with her family at this most difficult time. I am humbled and grateful by the outpouring of affection we have received from our filmmaking community, the people of Santa Fe, and the hundreds of strangers who have reached out,” he added. “It will surely aid in my recovery.”

Hutchins’ Husband Matthew Shares First Instagram Post Following Death

On October 23, Matthew shared a series of photos with his wife and their couple’s son, 9-year-old Andros.

“We miss you, Halyna!” he captioned the photo.

Hollywood Takes Action

Many outside the industry were shocked to find out that real guns are still used during filming, even more so because of the advancements in technology and computer-generated imagery. While people are calling for a ban, some showrunners have already banned the use of “live” guns on set.

Showrunners on ABC’s The Rookie and Amazon Prime Video’s The Boys have banned “live guns.” The Rookie showrunner Alexi Hawley stated the ban would be effective immediately, according to a memo sent to staff obtained by The Hollywood Reporter. 

“The tragic events in New Mexico yesterday have shaken us all, and our hearts go out to the friends and family of Halyna Hutchins and Joel Souza,” Hawley wrote in the memo. “There will be no more ‘live’ weapons on the show. The safety of our cast and crew is too important. Any risk is too much risk.”

Eric Kripke, showrunner of The Boys, tweeted on October 22, “Someone hurt or killed on my set is my worst nightmare. Sending love to Halyna Hutchins’ family, Jensen Ackles, cast [and] crew of [Rust] I’m so sorry. In her memory, a simple, easy pledge: no more guns with blanks on any of my sets ever. We’ll use VFX muzzle flashes. Who’s with me?”

Baldwin’s Daughter Ireland Baldwin and Niece Hailey Bieber Speak Out

Ireland Basinger Baldwin took to her Instagram Stories to give her thoughts to the victim’s family on October 22. 

“My love and support go to Halyna Hutchins’ family and friends. Sending healing thoughts to Joel Souza,” the model, 26, wrote. “And wishing I could hug my dad extra tight today.” 

Hailey Bieber echoed her cousin’s sentiments. 

“Sending all my love to the family of Halyna Hutchins. This is a truly unimaginable and devastating tragedy. My thoughts are also with Joel Souza as he recovers,” Stephen Baldwin’s daughter, 24, on her Instagram Stories. “I am absolutely heartbroken for everyone involved.”

The Gun That Killed Hutchins Allegedly Used for Target Practice

TMZ reported on October 23 that the gun which killed Hutchins was allegedly being used recreationally, off-set, by crew members. According to the outlet, those participating in the target practice used real bullets.

Hutchins’ Father Releases First Statement

Anatoly Androsovych, the father of the late Hutchins, released his first statement following the death of his daughter on October 23.

“We still can’t believe Halyna is dead and her mother is going out of her mind with grief,” he told The Sun. “But I don’t hold Alec Baldwin responsible — it is the responsibility of the props people who handle the guns.”

He is currently attempting to fly to the United States from Ukraine with his wife, Olga, and daughter, Svetlana, to be with Hutchins’ husband and child.

“The little boy has been very badly affected — he is lost without his mother,” Androsovych added. “Matt will decide if legal action is going to be taken.”

Assistant Director Accused of Failing to Provide Safe Working Environment in Past

Propmaker Maggie Goll, who worked with Rust’s A.D. Dave Halls in 2019 on Hulu’s Into the Dark, claims, “He did not maintain a safe working environment.” 

“Sets were almost always allowed to become increasingly claustrophobic, no established fire lanes, exits blocked,” Goll told NBC News on October 24.

Hall handed the gun to Baldwin and yelled “cold gun” to indicate the prop gun did not have any live rounds, according to the search warrant obtained by In Touch.  

Defending Dad

On October 22, political pundit Candace Owens took to Twitter to weigh in on the tragedy in a series of since-deleted tweets.

“Alec Baldwin spent 4 years dedicated to painting Donald Trump and his supporters as evil murderers,” the Fox News commentator tweeted. “What has happened to Alec would be an example of poetic justice if it weren’t for the actual innocent people that were murdered by him. Pray for their families. So sad.”

Owens added in a followup tweet, “Will correct that last tweet to say Alec Baldwin *killed* someone— not murdered someone, as murder carries a different legal definition.”

Ireland took to her Instagram Story on Monday, October 25, to slam Owens for her comments.

“You are the most disgusting, hateful, cancerous human being I’ve ever come across. Regardless of your foul opinions most of the time, the fact that you would disrespect the life of a woman who was accidentally and tragically killed … Shame on you,” Ireland captioned a photo of Owens.

In a series of posts, Ireland continued, “Yup … I’m going to go ahead and take that Instagram break. I am ashamed to breathe the same air as this woman. Be a Republican. Be unvaccinated. I don’t give a f–k. There are plenty of Republican values that I support and plenty of Liberal ones that I support as well .. but one f–king thing I find myself doing is being RESPECTFUL. But we aren’t debating masks and vaccines and abortion and trans rights here … A woman’s life was lost. Your tweets, lack of information and ignorance are hurting people. You and that scumbag [Jack Posobiec] don’t have a clue what you’re even talking about and you usually never do. I respect people’s opinions … but if you support these absolute clowns … please don’t follow me anymore. I beg. If you simply don’t RESPECT people … then unfollow me. It’s so simple. Unfollow me if you don’t support woman’s rights. Unfollow me if you don’t support trans rights. LGBTQ rights as a whole. Human rights. But [really] hit that unfollow button if you’re trying to defame my father and tweet such horrific statements about this tragic situation. It breaks my heart that people are so hatefully ignorant …”

Several hours later, Ireland shared a screenshot of a DM conversation between her and Owens where they seemed to discuss their issues privately. “Thank you for taking the time to have a real conversation. Have a peaceful evening,” read a messaged Ireland sent to Owens. Owens replied, “No problem. Same to you.”

“I will always stand for what I do … but one thing we need less of in this world is perpetuated hate and anger and fighting … especially in the wake of this tragedy. Thanks, again, to everyone who have been so kind and supportive,” Ireland wrote in her last post.

Baldwin Calls Hutchins His ‘Friend,’ Shares Update on Her Husband

In his first on-camera interview since the tragedy, Alec called Hutchins his “friend.”

“I’m not allowed to make any comments because it’s an ongoing investigation,” he told reporters in Vermont on Saturday, October 30, according to a video published by TMZ. “I’ve been ordered by the sheriff’s department in Santa Fe, I can’t answer any questions about the investigation. I can’t — it’s an active investigation in terms of a woman died. She was my friend.”

He also revealed that he has been in close contact with Hutchins’ family. “The guy is overwhelmed with grief. You know, there are incidental accidents on film sets from time to time but nothing like this,” he added about Hutchins’ husband, Matthew. “This is a one in a trillion event, and so he is in shock [and] has a 9-year-old son. We are in constant contact with him. We’re very worried about his family and his kid, and we’re eagerly awaiting for the sheriff’s department telling us what their investigation has yielded.”

Assistant Director Statement

David Halls, who serves as assistant director on the film and handed Baldwin the very gun that misfired, according to a search warrant previously obtained by In Touch, told the New York Post that he hopes the tragedy will motivate the film industry to “reevaluate its values and practices to ensure no one is harmed through the creative process again.”

“Halyna Hutchins was not just one of the most talented people I’ve worked with, but also a friend,” Halls said in a statement on Monday, November 1. “I’m shocked and saddened by her death.”

Clear Conscience

A tearful Alec said he doesn’t feel guilty and believes he won’t face charges over the incident. In an interview with ABC on Thursday, December 2, he also maintained that he didn’t pull the trigger and that the gun just “went off” while in his hands.
“I let go of the hammer, bang. The gun goes off. Everyone is horrified. They’re shocked. It’s loud,” he told host George Stephanopoulos.
“Honest to God, if I thought I was responsible I might have killed myself,” he continued. “And I don’t say that lightly.”

Search Warrant for Baldwin’s Phone

A search warrant, which was obtained by In Touch, was issued for Alec Baldwin’s phone on December 16. The warrant seeks a “forensic download” of his phone “due to conversations between affiant,” later identified in the document as a violent crimes detective part of the Santa Fe County’s Sheriff’s Department, and Baldwin.

Alec’s Christmas Eve Video

The 30 Rock alum shared an emotional video to his Instagram on December 24. “Merry Christmas …” he captioned the post.

“I wanted to take a moment to say ‘thank you’ to all of the people who have sent me such kind words,” Alec said in the video. “I’m looking forward to some aspects of this being behind me. Of course, for everyone who’s involved in this, it’s never gonna be behind us because somebody died so tragically.”

Baldwin to Turn Over Phone

Following the December 16th search warrant issued for his phone, Baldwin is set to turn over his phone sometime soon. “We reached an agreement last weekend with the Santa Fe Sheriff’s Office and the Santa Fe District Attorney’s Office, and Mr. Baldwin’s phone is being turned over this week for review,” Baldwin’s attorney told In Touch on January 13.

The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office had previously issued a press release the same day claiming that he had yet to turn the phone over to authorities. “On December 20, 2021, the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office was advised that the Santa Fe District Attorney was in negotiations with Mr. Baldwin’s attorney to obtain consent to retrieve the phone and its contents,” the sheriff’s office said. “To date, the phone has not yet been turned over to authorities.” In response, Baldwin’s attorney added to In Touch, “Ever since this tragic incident, Mr. Baldwin has continued to cooperate with the authorities, and any suggestion to the contrary is simply untrue. We requested that the authorities obtain a warrant so that we could protect his privacy on other matters unrelated to Rust and have been working through that process. We are finalizing logistics with the authorities in New York who are assisting in this matter.”

Halyna Hutchins’ Husband Speaks Out

In an interview with TODAY airing on Thursday, February 22, late cinematographer Halyna Hutchins’ husband, Matt Hutchins, said he was “so angry to see [Baldwin] talk about her death so publicly in such a detailed way and then to not accept any responsibility after having just described killing her.” Baldwin had previously told ABC News in December 2021, “Someone is responsible for what happened, and I can’t say who that is, but it’s not me.” A rep for Baldwin did not immediately respond to In Touch‘s request for comment.

First Photo of Baldwin Following the Shooting

Releasing all of their current photos and videos from the investigation in April 2022, the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Department shared the first photo of Baldwin immediately following the onset shooting.

His Hands

The sheriff’s department also took photos of Baldwin’s hands, as well as the back of his neck.

The Gun That Misfired

The sheriff’s department also shared an up-close look at the gun that killed Hutchins.

The Shooting Incident Becomes a Crime Scene

Among the pieces of evidence is the bodycam footage of a responding officer. Shortly after arriving on the scene, he tells a Rust crew member that the set will become an active crime scene.

Inside the Chapel

The bodycam footage provides a rare look inside the chapel where the shooting took place, with paramedics and first responders treating what appears to be Souza and Hutchins for their wounds. Someone can be overheard discussing airlifting Hutchins.

Souza Is Taken Away in a Stretcher

At this moment in the video, a paramedic tells the responding officer that the “male victim” is being taken away to the hospital.

FBI Test Reveals Trigger Was Pulled

Although Baldwin previously claimed he did not pull the trigger of the prop gun in his December 2021 interview, the FBI concluded that the gun “could not be made to fire without a pull of the trigger while the working internal components were intact and functional,” according to a forensics report obtained by ABC News.

In his previous interview, Baldwin claimed he had only pulled back the hammer of the revolver. However, the outlet reported that if the hammer of the gun is released forward with enough force — which happens when the trigger is pressed — a round of ammunition is struck, causing the gun to fire.

Baldwin Sues Crew Members

The Aviator actor filed a lawsuit in November 2022 against multiple crew members, according to documents obtained by CNN. Since he is listed as a defendant on a 2021 lawsuit filed by a script supervisor, Baldwin filed a cross-complaint against Rust’s armorer, Hannah Gutierrez Reed, assistant director David Halls, armorer assistant Seth Kenney and prop master Sarah Zachry. Additionally, Baldwin filed his lawsuit against the prop and ammunition supply store that Kenney owns.

“More than anyone else on that set, Baldwin has been wrongfully viewed as the perpetrator of this tragedy,” the lawsuit documents read. “By these Cross-Claims, Baldwin seeks to clear his name and hold Cross-Defendants accountable for their misconduct.”

Baldwin Charged With Involuntary Manslaughter

Baldwin was charged with involuntary manslaughter, prosecutors confirmed on January 19 2023, according to NBC News. The movie set armorer, Hannah Gutierrez Reed, was also charged with involuntary manslaughter, the outlet reported.

Dropped Charge

The firearms enhancement charges originally brought against both Baldwin and head armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed were dropped on February 20, 2023.
If they had been convicted of both the involuntary manslaughter and firearms enhancement charges, the actor and armorer would have had to serve five years in jail. Both Baldwin and Gutierrez-Reed are still each facing a charge of involuntary manslaughter for the shooting ​each and may have to serve up to 18 months if ​convicted. 

“In order to avoid further litigious distractions by Mr. Baldwin and his attorneys, the District Attorney and the special prosecutor have removed the firearm enhancement to the involuntary manslaughter charges in the death of Halyna Hutchins on the Rust film set,” Heather Brewer, a spokesperson the New Mexico First Judicial District Attorney, told In Touch in a statement. “The prosecution’s priority is securing justice, not securing billable hours for big-city attorneys.”

Alec Reflects on Wrapping ‘Rust’

In May 2023, Baldwin shared a post via Instagram to reflect on wrapping the production.

“Last day of filming RUST in Montana,” he captioned the post. “Sorry that I did not get to work with this living legend, the great @francesfisher. Patrick, I envy you. It’s been a long and difficult road. But we reach the end of the trail today. Congratulations to Joel, Bianca and the entire cast and crew. Nothing less than a miracle.”

Alec Baldwin Charged Again With Manslaughter

Almost one year after his initial manslaughter charge was dismissed, a New Mexico grand jury indicted the actor on involuntary manslaughter charges on January 19, 2024, according to the New York Times. A new prosecution team, which included legal professionals, Kari T. Morrissey and Jason J. Lewis, decided to present the case to a grand jury, which indicted The Departed actor.

‘Rust’ Armorer Found Guilty

On March 6, 2024, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in the shooting death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.

Gutierrez is being held in custody until her sentencing hearing as she faces up to 18 months in prison.

“This is not a case where Hannah Gutierrez made one mistake, and that one mistake was accidental, putting a live round into that gun,” prosecutor Kari Morrissey told jurors during her closing argument. “This case is about constant, neverending, safety failures that resulted in the death of a human being and nearly killed another.”