on set emergency

Alec Baldwin ‘Discharged’ Gun That Killed DP and Injured Director on Rust

Photo: Mark Sagliocco/Getty Images for National Geographic

The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Department is currently investigating the set of Alec Baldwin’s upcoming feature Rust, according to Variety. Albuquerque reporter Tessa Mentus tweeted that a spokesperson for Baldwin, also a producer on the film, told NBC there had been an accident on the set of Rust, at Bonanza Creek Ranch, that involved a misfiring of a prop gun. “Two crew members have been taken to the hospital and are receiving care. Production has been halted for the time being. The safety of our cast and crew remains our top priority,” said the Baldwin spokesperson. The film is directed and written by Joel Souza (Crown Vic) and stars Jensen Ackles (Supernatural), Brady Noon (The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers), and Travis Fimmel (Warcraft).

Update October 21, 8:12 p.m.: One of the crew members has died from their injuries and the other is receiving emergency care, according to Variety. “The Santa Fe County sheriff’s office confirms that two individuals were shot during filming of a scene on the set of the movie western ‘Rust’,” the department said in a statement Thursday night. “According to investigators, it appears that the scene being filmed involved the use of a prop firearm when it was discharged. Detectives are investigating how and what type of projectile was discharged.” The Baldwin spokesperson previously said the gun had fired blanks.

Update October 21, 10:24 p.m.: Deadline confirmed that the two crew members that were killed and injured were Halyna Hutchins, the director of photography, and Joel Souza, the director. Hutchins passed away shortly after arriving at the University of New Mexico Hospital while Souza is currently undergoing treatment for his injuries.

Below is a statement from the Santa Fe Sheriff’s department, per 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.

Update October 22, 12:35 a.m.: Below is a statement from a representative of the production:

“The entire cast and crew has been absolutely devastated by today’s tragedy, and we send our deepest condolences to Halyna’s family and loved ones. 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.”

Alec Baldwin ‘Discharged’ Gun That Killed DP on Rust