In an email obtained by Variety, IATSE Local 44 revealed that the prop gun used by Alec Baldwin that killed Halyna Hutchins had a “live single round” in it. Also revealed in the email, IATSE Local 44 told its membership that “New Mexico crew members staffed the props, set decoration, special effects and construction departments on Rust, not its members, Variety reported.
Email Reveals There Was a Live Single Round in Prop Gun That Killed Halyna Hutchins
RELATED: Prop Gun Fired By Alec Baldwin Kills Halyna Hutchins, 42, and Injures Director
“A live single round was accidentally fired on set by the principal actor, hitting both the Director of Photography, Local 600 member Halyna Hutchins, and Director Joel Souza. Both were rushed to the hospital. Unfortunately, we lost Sister Hutchins who passed from the wound.”
It has not been reported where Halyna Hutchins and Joel Souza were shot. Souza has since been discharged from the hospital.
Mamas Uncut previously incorrectly reported that Souza was also treated at the University of New Mexico Hospital. According to Variety, he was taken by an ambulance to Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical Center in Santa Fe.
IATSE Local 44 secretary and treasurer, Anthony Pawluc, described the tragedy as “an accidental weapons discharge” in the email. This comes after sheriff’s office spokesman Juan Ríos said they were still determining if the tragedy was an accident.
“Local 44 has confirmed that the Props, Set Decoration, Special Effects and Construction Departments were staffed by New Mexico crew members,” Pawluc said. “There were no Local 44 members on the call sheet. On behalf of Local 44’s Officers, Executive Board, and Staff, our thoughts and prayers go out to Halyna and her family. We also send good thoughts to Joel and his family for a full recovery.”
Alec Baldwin issued a statement on his official Twitter account saying he’s in touch with Hutchins’ family. He further stated that there are no words to describe how he is currently feeling.
“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 and 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.”
Halyna Hutchins was just 42. She leaves behind her husband and her son.