Alec Baldwin is breaking his silence on the tragic death of Halyna Hutchins, who was killed after a gun held by the actor spit out a “live round” instead of the prop-style blank bullet.
The ‘SNL’ star issued a statement following the shocking situation, saying, “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.”
He continued, “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.”
As for the police investigation, the Sheriff’s department has confirmed Baldwin was the one who pulled the trigger which struck the director of photography Halyna Hutchins and director Joel Souza. At the time, it is believed that somehow a “live round” or “bullet” was placed inside of a prop gun which was to be fired as part of a scene. Again, this is very common in the tv/movie world, and firearms normally have blanks or nothing inside of them.
Following the accident, Halyna was airlifted to a nearby hospital but succumbed to her injuries. The director, who was shooting a new western film — Rust — with Baldwin was also rushed to the hospital where he is being treated for his injuries. His current condition is unknown.
At this point, the Sheriff’s Department has launched an investigation into how a live round might have ended up in a prop gun used at the set. For starters, who loaded the gun? Also, where did the prop gun and bullets come from? And…lastly, if it came from a company who provides this type of thing for a production, who was responsible for this monumental mistake.
Lastly, at this point, there is zero indication that Alec wasn’t just in the worst place at the worst time, and had zero knowledge of the deadly mistake.
As you know, this is eerily similar to the tragic death of Bruce Lee’s son, Brandon Lee, who was killed in a similar fashion while filming the movie, ‘The Crow.’ In that case, “dummy” cartridges are supposed to be removed and replaced with blanks in a prop gun before being fired. However, police found that a tip of one of the cartridge’s bullets broke off and lodges in the gun. It was then fired at Lee with the blank. An investigation revealed it was negligence on the part of the film’s crew and not foul play.
Following the latest tragedy, Lee’s sister — Shannon– issued an emotional message on Twitter, saying, “Our hearts go out to the family of Halyna Hutchins and to Joel Souza and all involved in the incident on ‘Rust.’ Adding, “No one should ever be killed by a gun on a film set. Period.”
Our hearts go out to the family of Halyna Hutchins and to Joel Souza and all involved in the incident on “Rust”. No one should ever be killed by a gun on a film set. Period. 💔
— Brandon Bruce Lee (@brandonblee) October 22, 2021
R.I.P.