‘Live single round’ killed cinematographer on film set, not a blank, union says

A shot fired on the New Mexico set of “Rust” that killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and injured director Joel Souza Thursday was “a live single round,” not a blank, according to a union representing prop makers and other crew members.

“As many of us have already heard, there was an accidental weapons discharge on a production titled Rust being filmed in New Mexico,” said an email sent to members of Local 44, a North Hollywood-based chapter of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE).

“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,” the email said. Hutchins later died from the injuries.

“Rust” actor and producer Alec Baldwin fired the weapon that killed the director of photography and injured Souza, according to the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office. Law enforcement said that “a prop firearm” had been used.

The western film’s props, set decoration, special effects and construction departments were staffed by a New Mexico crew, the union email said, not Local 44 members. 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,” the union said. The film is an independent feature that was filming at the Bonanza Creek Ranch and has halted production in the wake of the tragedy.