By Andrew Blankstein, Diana Dasrath and Dennis Romero -
NBC News
Witnesses claimed actor Alec Baldwin was "practicing" with a pistol when he fired himself before filming for
Rust began
in New Mexico, according to new information released Sunday in search warrants.
The new information includes previously undisclosed statements from director Joel Souza and cameraman Reid Russell.
Souza said Baldwin had been practicing Thursday when the gun went off, killing 42-year-old cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and 48-year-old director Joel Souza, according to the latest court order information.
[What are prop weapons, why are they so dangerous, and what could have gone wrong for Alec Baldwin to fire one fatally]
The cast and crew had taken a lunch break and when they returned, Souza told authorities that he was not sure that the firearm Baldwin was going to use had been re-searched for safety.
"Joel said they returned to the set after lunch, although he is not sure if the firearm was searched again," the court order states.
Joel said that they returned to the set after lunch, although he is not sure if the firearm was searched again "
Court order
“Joel stated that Alec was sitting on a bench in the vicinity of a church building, and that he was practicing a cross draw.
Joel said he was looking over Halayna's shoulder when he heard something that sounded like a whip and then a loud pop, "he adds.
The director said he vaguely remembers Hutchins' reaction.
She "complained about her stomach and clutched her belly," according to the court order.
"Joel also said that Halayna started to stumble backward and was assisted on the ground," he said.
"Joel explained that he was bleeding from his shoulder and that he could see blood on Halayna," he recalled.
[Actor Alec Baldwin's accident is "extremely rare" but it is not the only tragic death in a movie shoot]
Camera operator Russell told authorities that none of this was caught on camera because the cast and crew were preparing for the scene.
He also said he wasn't sure if the gun had been searched because he had left the area for five minutes to take a break.
"Reid said Alec had been very careful, and brought up a case where a scene was being filmed previously," the order says.
"Reid said that Alec had made sure it was safe and that a child was not around him when they were unloading a firearm during that scene."
The production team behind the film also spoke Sunday in a letter to the cast and crew obtained by NBC News, the sister network of Noticias Telemundo.
Vigil in memory of Halyna Hutchins, killed by an accidental shooting of actor Alec Baldwin
Oct. 24, 202100: 29
Team members said production of the
western
would be halted at least during an investigation by the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office, which is trying to determine how a gun with a lethal amount of ammunition got into Baldwin's hands.
The producers urged those who worked on the film before Thursday's shooting to stick together.
[An assistant director handed Alec Baldwin a prop gun without knowing or notifying him that it was loaded with bullets]
"Our hearts go out to all of you as we go through this tragic time and mourn the loss of our colleague and dear friend Halyna Hutchins," they said.
"We are a family and we must be together as families do in difficult times," they added.
“We remain in close contact with Halyna's family and commend their strength in the face of unspeakable tragedy.
It is more than an inspiration ”, they added.
The sheriff's office will hold a press conference Wednesday to discuss the investigation.
Although the director was well enough to make a statement, the production company let the cast and crew know on Sunday that he was improving.
A film set at the Bonanza Creek Ranch in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021.Jae C. Hong / AP
"Joel Souza is on the mend, and we are supporting him however we can knowing how difficult his journey is," said Rust Movies Production, LLC, in a letter to his cast and crew.
It was not signed by anyone.
["My heart is broken," Alec Baldwin laments after the shooting that killed a fellow filmmaker]
Producers said that while there have been insider information leaks, cast and crew members were not encouraged to speak to reporters.
"As the investigation continues, we are unable to respond to comments that have reached the media, social media and elsewhere," the company said.
“We are sorry to hear that many of you are receiving unsolicited contacts from the media as all of us need time and space to cry and heal.
You don't need to get in touch, but if you do, ask journalists to respect your privacy.
That should help, ”they add.
The producers confirmed that they have been cooperating with the investigators, and offered advice to the staff.
"We are conducting an internal review of security protocols," they stated in the letter.
"As with any ongoing investigation, we are limited in our ability to say anything else publicly or privately, and we ask for your patience in that regard."
[A special effects expert assures that it is impossible for a prop gun to kill someone]
Baldwin fired the pistol after an assistant director yelled, "Cold weapon," indicating that a weapon used for the shoot is safe to fire and is loaded with non-lethal ammunition intended for production, according to information in the order. previous registration.
Sources familiar with the situation told NBC News that the weapon in question had previously failed.
And one props maker who worked with assistant director Dave Halls said he had previously allowed for an unsafe work environment.
"He did not maintain a safe work environment," Maggie Goll said in a statement.
"Most of the time, sets were allowed to get more and more claustrophobic, fire paths were not established, exits were blocked ... Safety meetings were non-existent."
Halls did not respond to requests for comment.
