Alec Baldwin is addressing the tragic death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, who was killed on the New Mexico set of “Rust” when the actor discharged a prop gun.
On Friday morning, Baldwin issued a statement via Twitter to address the accidental shooting of the director of photography on the film, which also injured the movie’s director, Joel Souza; Souza has reportedly been released from an Albuquerque hospital after being treated.
RELATED: Alec Baldwin Fired Prop Gun That Accidentally Killed ‘Rust’ Cinematographer Halyna Hutchins
“There are no words to convey the shock and sadness regarding the tragic accident that took the life of Halyna Hutchins, a wife, mother and deeply admired colleague of ours,” he wrote, adding that he was “fully cooperating” with the ongoing police investigation.
“My heart is broken for her husband, their son, and all who knew and loved Halyna,” he concluded.
1-
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— AlecBaldwin(HABF) (@AlecBaldwin) October 22, 2021
2- 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.
— AlecBaldwin(HABF) (@AlecBaldwin) October 22, 2021
Meanwhile, Baldwin’s daughter, Ireland Baldwin, shared a message she received from someone claiming to be a “freelance journalist” seeking an interview.
Via Instagram Story, she also offered her scathing response to “the handful of journalists who have been contacting me,” blasting them as “despicable and insensitive.”
She added: “To anyone who’s been giving out my number, please lose it and don’t contact me again.”
She shared another message, sending her “love and support” to Hutchins’ family and friends, along with “wishing I could hug my dad extra tight today.”
His niece, Hailey Bieber, expressed her condolences.
“Sending all my love to the family of Halyna Hutchins. This is a truly unimaginable and devastating tragedy. My thought are also with Joel Souza as he recovers,” she wrote. “I am absolutely heartbroken for everyone involved.”
In addition, the actor’s brother, Stephen Baldwin, took to social media asking for prayers.
In his message posted to Instagram, he wrote that “not much can be said other than please pray for all involved in the wake of this tragic accident…”
“There was an accident today on the New Mexico set of ‘Rust‘ involving the misfire of a prop gun with blanks,” a spokesperson for the film told Deadline on Thursday. “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.”
CNN is reporting that a police investigation into the fatal accident is underway.
“According to investigators it appears that the scene being filmed involved the use of a prop firearm when it was discharged,” reads a statement from the sheriff’s office, adding that the investigation “remains open and active,” with no charges filed. “Detectives are investigating how and what type of projectile was discharged.”
