Alec Baldwin's 'prop firearm' kills one, injures another

Sheriff's office: Alec Baldwin discharged prop gun that killed crew member, wounded director

Baldwin is one of the film's star actors and producers. He went to the sheriff's office willingly and provided a statement to investigators, sheriff's office spokesman Juan Ríos said.

www.santafenewmexican.com

archive.md/jNQZQ

Actor Alec Baldwin discharged a "prop firearm" that killed a cinematographer and injured a the director of the movie Rust, being filmed on a set south of Santa Fe, a county sheriff's office spokesman said late Thursday.

Halyna Hutchins, 42 and the director of photography for the movie, died at University of New Mexico Hospital in Albuquerque. The film's director, Joel Souza, was hospitalized in Santa Fe, Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office spokesman Juan Ríos said.

A source closed to the investigation said Baldwin, 63, was questioned by investigators late Thursday and was seen by a New Mexican reporter and photographer in tears.

Investigators are still trying to determine if the incident was an accident, Ríos said. No charges have been filed, and the investigation remains open, Ríos wrote in a news release.

The prop was fired at Bonanza Creek Ranch, where filming was underway, the sheriff's office said in an early evening news release. Baldwin stars in the production.

Hutchins died from her injuries after she was flown to University of New Mexico Hospital, according to the sheriff's office. Souza was taken to Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical Center, where he is receiving emergency care, the sheriff's office said. Attempts to get comment from Baldwin were unsuccessful.

“We received the devastating news this evening, that one of our members, Halyna Hutchins, the Director of Photography on a production called ‘Rust’ in New Mexico died from injuries sustained on the set,” John Lindley, the president of the International Cinematographers Guild Local 600, and Rebecca Rhine, the executive director, said in a statement, as reported by Variety. “The details are unclear at this moment, but we are working to learn more, and we support a full investigation into this tragic event. This is a terrible loss, and we mourn the passing of a member of our Guild’s family.”

Deputies were investigating how the accident occurred and "what type of projectile was discharged," the sheriff's office said in an earlier news release.

Rust Movie Productions did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Filming for Rust was set to continue into early November, according to a news release from the New Mexico Film Office. It's described as the story of a 13-year-old boy left to fend for himself and his younger brother following the death of their parents in 1880s Kansas, with New Mexico doubling for Kansas.

Guns firing blanks have been blamed for deaths in past movie productions. Online Hollywood news site Deadline reported, "Actor Jon-Erik Hexum was killed Oct. 18, 1984, on the set of the TV series Cover Up when he accidentally shot himself in the head with a gun loaded with blanks. And in 1993, Brandon Lee, the son of martial arts legend Bruce Lee, died after he was shot in the head by a gun firing blanks on the set of The Crow. Both incidents were determined to have been accidents."

This is a developing story and will be updated.

 

[JohnDoe]

Live bullet was confirmed days ago, also "He also said 500 rounds of ammunition were also seized that included a mix of blanks, dummy rounds and live rounds."

I'm just a regular gunfag but at this point I'm certain I would do a better job than these idiots, if only because I'd beat the shit out of anyone bringing live rounds on my set.

Fucking hell, all the job requires is a clipboard, moderate OCD and the spine required to say 'no'.

 

[ForTheHoard]

Alec Baldwin shooting: Rust movie set armourer says her role in death of cinematographer 'falsely portrayed'​

The person in charge of weapons on the movie set where Alec Baldwin fatally shot a cinematographer has spoken out, claiming her role in the incident has been "falsely portrayed".

Halyna Hutchins, 42, was killed when Baldwin discharged a firearm on the set of western movie Rust.


The film's director Joel Souza - who was standing behind her - was shot in the shoulder.


Armourer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, 24, had set up the gun and two others, according to an affidavit from the Sante Fe County Sheriff's Office.

In a statement issued through her attorney, Jason Bowles, Ms Gutierrez-Reed said she was "devastated and completely beside herself over the events that transpired".


"Hannah would like to extend her deepest and most sincere condolences to the family and friends of Halyna," it said.

"She was an inspirational woman in film who Hannah looked up to. She also offers her thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery to Joel."

However, Mr Bowles said Ms Gutierrez-Reed wanted to "address some untruths" which have "falsely portrayed and slandered" her role in the incident.

The statement continued: "Safety is Hannah's number one priority on set. Ultimately this set would never have been compromised if live ammo were not introduced. Hannah has no idea where the live rounds came from.

"Hannah and the prop master gained control over the guns and she never witnessed anyone shoot live rounds with these guns and nor would she permit that.

"They were locked up every night and at lunch and there's no way a single one of them was unaccounted for or being shot by crew members.

"Hannah still, to this day, has never had an accidental discharge."

After the shooting, Ms Gutierrez-Reed removed a shell casing from the gun and handed it over to the police when they arrived, court records said.

The local district attorney has said criminal charges in the case have not been ruled out.

Baldwin, known for his roles in 30 Rock and The Hunt for Red October, as well as his impressions of former US president Donald Trump on Saturday Night Live, has described the killing as a "tragic accident".

Before taking up the role of armourer on a previous film, Ms Gutierrez-Reed reportedly said she wasn't sure if she was ready for the position.


Speaking in an interview after completing a role as head armourer for the Nicolas Cage film The Old Way, Ms Gutierrez-Reed said: "I almost didn't take the job because I wasn't sure if I was ready, but doing it, it went really smoothly."

She is also said to have admitted she found loading blanks into a gun "the scariest" thing and had sought help from her father, the renowned gunsmith Thell Reed, to overcome her fear.

Alec Baldwin shooting: Rust movie set armourer says her role in death of cinematographer 'falsely portrayed'

Armourer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, 24, had set up the gun and two others, according to court documents. However, she has said "safety on set" is her number on priority.

news.sky.com

Bullshit. She's the one that's in charge of the guns being cleaned and maintained. A forensic examination of the barrel would tell you instantly if the gun is used for blanks only. If live ammunition is regularly being fed through it, there will be significant lead and/or copper deposits in the barrel that wouldn't be present if only blanks were used. Lead/copper solvents shouldn't even be a part of her work cleaning gear if the guns aren't supposed to be used with live rounds.

 

[Pocket Dragoon]

At least if you’re using commercial crimped blanks, and someone gets injured because part of the crimping separates and hits someone (it happens) or jams the barrel causing a breech-blast that takes off someone’s finger (it also happens) you can sue the manufacturer. Make your own and you assume that liability yourself…

Correction; ammo concerns are incredibly hard to sue, they have many of the same protections (and lawyers) as firearms manufacturers. The only instance I know of it happening was with Freedom Munitions, which sold remanned ammo that regularly exploded more than a few rifles. The owners & customer service habits were very cowlike as well.

In a statement issued through her attorney, Jason Bowles, Ms Gutierrez-Reed said she was "devastated and completely beside herself over the events that transpired".

"Hannah would like to extend her deepest and most sincere condolences to the family and friends of Halyna," it said.

"She was an inspirational woman in film who Hannah looked up to. She also offers her thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery to Joel."

However, Mr Bowles said Ms Gutierrez-Reed wanted to "address some untruths" which have "falsely portrayed and slandered" her role in the incident.

So she finally got herself a lawyer, took long enough. I have a hunch he's no Saul, here's his page: Bowles Law Firm

I wouldn't be surprised if he's doing it pro-bono, because she got told by her old man to get fucked when she asked for help (again).

 

[ForTheHoard]

Correction; ammo concerns are incredibly hard to sue, they have many of the same protections (and lawyers) as firearms manufacturers. The only instance I know of it happening was with Freedom Munitions, which sold remanned ammo that exploded multiple rifles.


So she finally got herself a lawyer, took long enough. I have a hunch he's no Saul, here's his page: Bowles Law Firm

I wouldn't be surprised if he's doing it pro-bono, because she got told by her old man to get fucked when she asked for help (again).

Looks like they specialize in what she needs.

 

[Particle Bored]

If this fat smug cunt was serious about 'gun safety' and 'reducing gun deaths' he'd be admitting there were a series of fuckups caused by ignoring best practice, not the least of which was his own failure in drawing, cocking and pulling the trigger of a weapon while it was pointed at another human being.

TBF, those would all be pretty stupid things to say as someone potentially facing criminal or civil charges.

 

[MadStan]

I think most of the people in this thread that think Baldwin dead to rights by any objective standard should get 5 to 10 in the clink are pretty resigned to the idea that whether or not he is actually arrested and charged is totally up in the air due to his fame and connections. I dont think anyone is going to make a counter bet not for lack of confidence in his guilt, but lack of confidence in the judicial system. Youre free to consider that a cop-out, but it is what it is, and lack of arrest or charges is not the vindication you may think it is. You've already demonstrated a lack of understanding on various aspects of the situation, so whether your statement is ultimately correct is more a matter of luck than insight.

Going off of the Brandon Lee case, it appears a case would hinge on the type or degree of negligence involved. The New Mexico statute for involuntary manslaughter specifies that the death be a result of a lawful action performed "without due caution and circumspection." Given the issues already raised by other staff on the set prior to the fatality, and being that Baldwin's position as both a producer and the most high profile star on a very small crew and set, it is reasonable to assume that he would be aware of such issues and chose to proceed without properly addressing them.

You are right.

You are totally taking a whining cop-out by thinking Baldwin isn't getting charged for murder because of his fame.

It is lame. Totally. And an excuse used by you guys for your entire misunderstanding of the law.

It wouldn't have mattered if Jenny Dugan had pulled the trigger - but because you guys keep getting it wrong over and over and over about what constitutes criminal negligence, you will always arrive at the wrong answer.

Stars do get charged, preaches get charged, musicians get charged, politicians do get charged, lawyers get charged, police get charged - but your excuse for Baldwin is that somehow he has "Soros like" protection and "is immune" from being charged because "Baldwin is somehow an all-reaching God above the law" is just pathetic to watch.

White house officials, Trump associates, rappers, police, lawyers and politicians recently have all been charged and found guilty. But here we go again with a guy on the left somehow holding power that is beyond the reach of all others and will avoid jail because of this "mystic ability".

You should reread your tripe and wake up. It is fucking pathetic to watch.

 

[reptile baht spaniard rid]

Why the would you ever release a statement like that? There's zero benefit.

 

[Gar For Archer]

You are right.

You are totally taking a whining cop-out by thinking Baldwin isn't getting charged for murder because of his fame.

It is lame. Totally. And an excuse used by you guys for your entire misunderstanding of the law.

It wouldn't have mattered if Jenny Dugan had pulled the trigger - but because you guys keep getting it wrong over and over and over about what constitutes criminal negligence, you will always arrive at the wrong answer.

Stars do get charged, preaches get charged, musicians get charged, politicians do get charged, lawyers get charged, police get charged - but your excuse for Baldwin is that somehow he has "Soros like" protection and "is immune" from being charged because "Baldwin is somehow an all-reaching God above the law" is just pathetic to watch.

White house officials, Trump associates, rappers, police, lawyers and politicians recently have all been charged and found guilty. But here we go again with a guy on the left somehow holding power that is beyond the reach of all others and will avoid jail because of this "mystic ability".

You should reread your tripe and wake up. It is fucking pathetic to watch.

lol just close your eyes bro

 

[RodgerDodger]

Alec Baldwin shooting: Rust movie set armourer says her role in death of cinematographer 'falsely portrayed'​

The person in charge of weapons on the movie set where Alec Baldwin fatally shot a cinematographer has spoken out, claiming her role in the incident has been "falsely portrayed".

Halyna Hutchins, 42, was killed when Baldwin discharged a firearm on the set of western movie Rust.


The film's director Joel Souza - who was standing behind her - was shot in the shoulder.


Armourer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, 24, had set up the gun and two others, according to an affidavit from the Sante Fe County Sheriff's Office.

In a statement issued through her attorney, Jason Bowles, Ms Gutierrez-Reed said she was "devastated and completely beside herself over the events that transpired".


"Hannah would like to extend her deepest and most sincere condolences to the family and friends of Halyna," it said.

"She was an inspirational woman in film who Hannah looked up to. She also offers her thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery to Joel."

However, Mr Bowles said Ms Gutierrez-Reed wanted to "address some untruths" which have "falsely portrayed and slandered" her role in the incident.

The statement continued: "Safety is Hannah's number one priority on set. Ultimately this set would never have been compromised if live ammo were not introduced. Hannah has no idea where the live rounds came from.

"Hannah and the prop master gained control over the guns and she never witnessed anyone shoot live rounds with these guns and nor would she permit that.

"They were locked up every night and at lunch and there's no way a single one of them was unaccounted for or being shot by crew members.

"Hannah still, to this day, has never had an accidental discharge."

After the shooting, Ms Gutierrez-Reed removed a shell casing from the gun and handed it over to the police when they arrived, court records said.

The local district attorney has said criminal charges in the case have not been ruled out.

Baldwin, known for his roles in 30 Rock and The Hunt for Red October, as well as his impressions of former US president Donald Trump on Saturday Night Live, has described the killing as a "tragic accident".

Before taking up the role of armourer on a previous film, Ms Gutierrez-Reed reportedly said she wasn't sure if she was ready for the position.


Speaking in an interview after completing a role as head armourer for the Nicolas Cage film The Old Way, Ms Gutierrez-Reed said: "I almost didn't take the job because I wasn't sure if I was ready, but doing it, it went really smoothly."

She is also said to have admitted she found loading blanks into a gun "the scariest" thing and had sought help from her father, the renowned gunsmith Thell Reed, to overcome her fear.

Alec Baldwin shooting: Rust movie set armourer says her role in death of cinematographer 'falsely portrayed'

Armourer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, 24, had set up the gun and two others, according to court documents. However, she has said "safety on set" is her number on priority.

news.sky.com

Am I alone in thinking the Instathots claims seem to have the whiff of bullshit? They seem at odds with observable facts from the Sheriff's press conference. The Popo reported finding ammo mixed or in proximity to blanks and dummies. The guns clearly weren't secured, at all. Safety rather apparently wasn't job one, nor 2 nor even job 19.

I don't think anyone is expecting Baldwin to do 5-15. Should they charge him with criminal negligence. Which contrary to Menotaurs strange hill to die on, I do think it likely. He would probably face a year. Given his celebrity status he probably gets an ankle bracelt in his mansion for a few months. I mea it's not like he has a record of violent attacks. Right?

I still think all three will face involuntary manslaughter/criminally negligent homicide.

 

[Product Placement]

Am I alone in thinking the Instathots claims seem to have the whiff of bullshit? They seem at odds with observable facts from the Sheriff's press conference. The Popo reported finding ammo mixed or in proximity to blanks and dummies. The guns clearly weren't secured, at all. Safety rather apparently wasn't job one, nor 2 nor even job 19.

I don't think anyone is expecting Baldwin to do 5-15. Should they charge him with criminal negligence. Which contrary to Menotaurs strange hill to die on, I do think it likely. He would probably face a year. Given his celebrity status he probably gets an ankle bracelt in his mansion for a few months. I mea it's not like he has a record of violent attacks. Right?

I still think all three will face involuntary manslaughter/criminally negligent homicide.

The only way her story could make sense is if she is even worse at her job and can't tell the difference between ammo types.

Do have to ask why just Baldwin for criminal negligence, the other producers on set and the director are equally to blame as him for negligence.

 

[Pocket Dragoon]

The only way her story could make sense is if she is even worse at her job and can't tell the difference between ammo types.

Hilarious, but true.

Do have to ask why just Baldwin for criminal negligence, the other producers on set and the director are equally to blame as him for negligence.

His liability would probably stem from actions he took as the producer; as in, were the production safety & hiring practices willfully negligent or not. But even then, it's feasible another underling could be thrown under the bus for it.

 

[Particle Bored]

You are right.

You are totally taking a whining cop-out by thinking Baldwin isn't getting charged for murder because of his fame.

It is lame. Totally. And an excuse used by you guys for your entire misunderstanding of the law.

It wouldn't have mattered if Jenny Dugan had pulled the trigger - but because you guys keep getting it wrong over and over and over about what constitutes criminal negligence, you will always arrive at the wrong answer.

Stars do get charged, preaches get charged, musicians get charged, politicians do get charged, lawyers get charged, police get charged - but your excuse for Baldwin is that somehow he has "Soros like" protection and "is immune" from being charged because "Baldwin is somehow an all-reaching God above the law" is just pathetic to watch.

White house officials, Trump associates, rappers, police, lawyers and politicians recently have all been charged and found guilty. But here we go again with a guy on the left somehow holding power that is beyond the reach of all others and will avoid jail because of this "mystic ability".

You should reread your tripe and wake up. It is fucking pathetic to watch.

That's nice. You acting like you know what youre talking about is pretty pathetic to watch. Tell me again how actors need PhDs in gunnology to be able to tell if a gun is loaded. The fact you ignored the second half of my post is just par for the course. Baldwin absolutely had the power to shut down production until safety concerns, which had risen to such a level that people were walking off the set, were addressed. Instead he ignored them, and ultimately ended up being the one to demonstrate the apex of such issues. It's the very definition of acting "without due caution and circumspection."

 

[Pocket Dragoon]

That's nice. You acting like you know what youre talking about is pretty pathetic to watch. Tell me again how actors need PhDs in gunnology to be able to tell if a gun is loaded. The fact you ignored the second half of my post is just par for the course.

And yet we still try to educate these boneheads; but with this guy, it's like arguing with a 12yr old. Amusing at first, but his army of strawmen got old fast.

Baldwin absolutely had the power to shut down production until safety concerns, which had risen to such a level that people were walking off the set, were addressed. Instead he ignored them, and ultimately ended up being the one to demonstrate the apex of such issues. It's the very definition of acting "without due caution and circumspection."

That's what a grand jury might have to decide on, if not the prosecutor (if she refuses).

 

[Product Placement]

Hilarious, but true.

His liability would probably stem from actions he took as the producer; as in, were the production safety & hiring practices willfully negligent or not. But even then, it's feasible another underling could be thrown under the bus for it.

Not saying he isn't liable just don't see how can you just charge him and not the other producers on set and the director.

 

[Wargarbl]

Am I alone in thinking the Instathots claims seem to have the whiff of bullshit? They seem at odds with observable facts from the Sheriff's press conference. The Popo reported finding ammo mixed or in proximity to blanks and dummies. The guns clearly weren't secured, at all. Safety rather apparently wasn't job one, nor 2 nor even job 19.

It's complete bullshit. She's a 24 year old thot moron who was way out of her depth, and is lying her ass off thinking that's the best way out. She's dead to rights on this. She's responsible for the firearms, and Halls said he checked the gun with her before handing it off and declaring it cold (albeit both of them were completely negligent in their check).

She's fucked. It appears that unlike her, Halls has a conscience and is telling the shameful truth to the LEOs. Lying only makes it worse, and easily disprovable lies that are already outed by public facts are astoundingly stupid (e.g. she tells LEOs there's absolutely no live ammo on set when they've already recovered live ammo and disclosed that publicly).

The tiniest part of me feels bad for her because myself and most people I know felt very self important in our early 20s until we learned a few life lessons. I'm very sure that version of me should not have been in charge anything important. However, early 20s me would have just fucked up a project release or two before getting fired instead of getting 2 people shot, 1 killed, and a felony record & likely jail sentence staring me down.

The rest of me sees a stupid lying thot that is going to dig herself in much deeper by being an idiot. Which would be more amusing if her now-criminal negligence hadn't resulted in the death of someone just doing their job.

 

[Product Placement]

More info here​

‘Rust’ Armorer Hannah Gutierrez Reed Speaks Out on Fatal Shooting: ‘No Idea Where the Live Rounds Came From’​

‘Rust’ armorer Hannah Gutierrez Reed has spoken out through her lawyers for the first time since the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.

In a statement provided to Variety by her lawyer, Jason Bowles, Reed extends her sympathies to Hutchins’ family, as well as defends her reputation and conduct on set. She also describes how she was left scrambling to do her jobs given she was hired to work two positions and says she was denied adequate prep time.

She is also represented legally by Robert Gorence.

Read the entire statement below:

First Hannah would like to extend her deepest and most sincere condolences to the family and friends of Halyna. She was an inspirational woman in film who Hannah looked up to. She also offers her thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery to Joel. Hannah is devastated and completely beside herself over the events that have transpired.



She would like to address some untruths that have been told to the media, which have falsely portrayed her and slandered her. Safety is Hannah’s number one priority on set. Ultimately this set would never have been compromised if live ammo were not introduced. Hannah has no idea where the live rounds came from. Hannah and the prop master gained control over the guns and she never witnessed anyone shoot live rounds with these guns and nor would she permit that. They were locked up every night and at lunch and there’s no way a single one of them was unaccounted for or being shot by crew members. Hannah still, to this day, has never had an accidental discharge. The first one on this set was the prop master and the second was a stunt man after Hannah informed him his gun was hot with blanks.

Hannah was hired on two positions on this film, which made it extremely difficult to focus on her job as an armorer. She fought for training, days to maintain weapons, and proper time to prepare for gunfire but ultimately was overruled by production and her department. The whole production set became unsafe due to various factors, including lack of safety meetings. This was not the fault of Hannah.

Hannah and her legal team will address more of these rumors and the whole incident in an upcoming statement next week.

‘Rust’ Armorer Hannah Gutierrez Reed Speaks Out on Fatal Shooting: ‘No Idea Where the Live Rounds Came From’

‘Rust’ armorer Hannah Gutierrez Reed has spoken out through her lawyers for the first time since the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. In a statement provided to Variety by her law…

variety.com

 

[Some JERK]

After the shooting, Ms Gutierrez-Reed removed a shell casing from the gun and handed it over to the police when they arrived, court records said.

Ummm. Why? It's already spent. It can't shoot someone twice. Why did she remove evidence from the gun? Especially since fingerprint evidence could've told you who put it in the gun. That's fucking sketchy.

 

[TowinKarz]

the spine required to say 'no'.

The greatest casualty of progressive think, really..... the willful destruction of meritocracy by making any professionalism anethma to the point that people with no experience for a job become the ideal candidates based on diversity tick-boxes.

We warned them this would eventually tabulate a body count, and they did it anyway. And now they have undeniable proof as one of their own is holding a literal smoking gun over the body and can only think to Tweet "Oops, thoughts and prayers, this was an incredible, unforeseeable tragedy.


No it wasn't. Incompetence was allowed to continue because it was a bigger issue that Dangerhair McShootguns would feel bad if they got fired than her unprofessional behavior actually endangering people.

Every kids cartoon has that one episode where the characters decide "rules only stop us from having fun" and decide to run the school/club/superhero group without a hierarchy or the help of outside institutions, and to just "do what needs done on our own" and it fails because doing what makes the world function frequently includes doing things that aren't fun and hurt the feelings of others. And they all learn a lesson that when everyone is in charge, nobody is, and when anyone can be an astronaut, nobody is.....etc.

This is five-year-old morality play stuff, figures the people who essentially make their living by playing pretend into their 50's like overgrown 5 year olds, and their enabling subordinates, don't learn it.

 

[RodgerDodger]

Ummm. Why? It's already spent. It can't shoot someone twice. Why did she remove evidence from the gun? Especially since fingerprint evidence could've told you who put it in the gun. That's fucking sketchy.

Yep. The AD picked up thd gun from the pew where Baldwin had dropped it, took it outside the the Instathot and the 2 of them cracked it open and removed and inspected the ammo before police got there. Thus insuring that their fingerprints were on the ammo AFTER the shooting. It's beyond sketchy.

I still suspect that the gun originally had 5 live actual bullets. Not simply the single one. That just happened to be the next round when the trigger was pulled.

 

[Overly Serious]

I think Alec Baldwin just wanted to kill someone. Put a live bullet in there himself.