Abaca Press

Alec Baldwin comments on Halyna Hutchins tragedy: 'My heart is broken'

Alec Baldwin accidentally fired a prop gun, which had a "live round" in it, while filming Rust on Thursday, leading to the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.

The 63-year-old actor released a statement through his Twitter account on Friday morning:

Joel Souza, the director and writer of the film, was also struck by a bullet and suffered injuries but has since been released from the hospital

The tragic incident occurred on set at the Bonanza Creek Ranch near Santa Fe, New Mexico. The Santa Fe Sheriff's Department released a statement explaining the series of events, including that Baldwin "was questioned by investigators and released" without arrest or charges being filed (h/t Deadline):

"Santa Fe County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the Bonanza Creek Ranch movie set of the western “Rust”, October 21, 2021, when an 911 caller reported a shooting on the set.  

"The sheriff’s office confirms that two individuals were shot on the set of Rust. Halyna Hutchins, 42, director of photography and Joel Souza, 48, director, were shot when a prop firearm was discharged by Alec Baldwin, 68, producer and actor.  

"Ms. Hutchins was transported, via helicopter, to University of New Mexico Hospital where she was pronounced dead by medical personnel. Mr. Souza was transported by ambulance to Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical center where he is undergoing treatment for his injuries.  

"This investigation remains open and active. No charges have been filed in regard to this incident. Witnesses continue to be interviewed by detectives."

According to a statement from Rust Movie Productions LLC provided to People, production on the film has been suspended indefinitely while everybody involved cooperates with the investigation and is provided counseling services.

Matthew Hutchins, Halyna's 38-year-old husband, told Insider that he does not think "there are words to communicate the situation" and "that we will need a little bit of time before we can really encapsulate her life in a way that is easy to communicate."

View tributes to Hutchins here.

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