Alec Baldwin

A search warrant has been granted for Alec Baldwin’s phone in relation to Halyna Hutchins’ death. Image via Twitter @YahooEnt

Actor Alec Baldwin fatally shoots woman with prop gun on film set

New Mexico authorities say for now, no charges have been filed against Alec Baldwin and an investigation is underway

Alec Baldwin

A search warrant has been granted for Alec Baldwin’s phone in relation to Halyna Hutchins’ death. Image via Twitter @YahooEnt

A woman has died while a man has been left injured after actor Alec Baldwin fired a prop gun on a movie set in New Mexico, in the United States (US).

Baldwin was busy with production of the western film ‘Rust’.

According to police, Halyna Hutchins died not long after being transported to a hospital in Albuquerque on Thursday, 21 October 2021. Joel Souza is still in hospital and his condition remains unknown.

The local sheriff’s office says deputies were dispatched to the Bonanza Creek Ranch when a 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”

The Santa Fe Sheriff’s department

Alec Baldwin not yet charged

The Santa Fe sheriff’s office goes on to say that Alec Baldwin has not been arrested and hasn’t been charged. An investigation is still underway and witnesses are still being questioned.

“This investigation remains open and active. No charges have been filed in regard to this incident. Witnesses continue to be interviewed by detectives,” they said.

Authorities also say Baldwin was unaware of the type of ammunition in the gun.

The Cinematographers Guild has reacted with great shock and remorse to the incident.

“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,” said John Lindley, the president of the guild, and Rebecca Rhine, the executive director, in a statement.

“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.”