Authorities confirm that the actor, who also produces the western movie, fired the prop gun that struck director of photography Halyna Hutchins and director Joel Souza on the set in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

AceShowbiz - Alec Baldwin discharged the prop gun that misfired during an accident on the set of "Rust". After reports emerged of the set accident that killed a crewmember and injured another on the set in Santa Fe, New Mexico on Thursday, October 21, it's now confirmed that the actor was the one who was holding the prop gun.

The Sheriff's office said in a statement that director of photography Halyna Hutchins and director Joel Souza "were shot when a prop firearm was discharged by Alec Baldwin, 68, producer and actor." Hutchins died after she was airlifted to University of New Mexico Hospital for stomach surgery, while Souza remains in emergency care after being transported by ambulance to Christus St. Vincent's hospital. He was reportedly hit in the clavicle.

The International Cinematographers Guild, Local 600 has released a statement confirming Hutchins' tragic death. "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," John Lindley, the president of the guild, and Rebecca Rhine, the executive director, said in the statement.

They continued, "The details are unclear at this moment, but we are working to learn more, and we support a full investigation into this tragic event." Expressing their condolences, they said, "This is a terrible loss, and we mourn the passing of a member of our Guild's family."

It was initially reported that a principal castmember cocked a gun during rehearsal, unaware that there were live rounds in it. Baldwin, meanwhile, was unharmed in the accident.

"There was an accident today on the New Mexico set of 'Rust' involving the misfire of a prop gun with blanks. Two crew members have been taken to the hospital and are receiving care," a production spokesperson said in a statement released immediately after the accident. "Production has been halted for the time being. The safety of our cast and crew remains our top priority."

Officials said sheriff's deputies were dispatched to the set at around 1:50 P.M. MST, following a 911 call that indicated an individual had been shot. Production was immediately halted following the double shooting. The set was put on lockdown and an old church on the set was blocked off.

"The Santa Fe County sheriff's office confirms that two individuals were shot during filming of a scene on the set of the movie western 'Rust'. Detectives are investigating how [the prop firearm was used] and what type of projectile was discharged," the Sheriff's Office said in its initial statement. "This incident remains an active investigation. As more information becomes available, updates will be provided."

Earlier that day, Baldwin posted on Instagram a picture of him in character, sporting what looks like fake blood stain on his shirt. "Back to in person at the office. Blimey…it's exhausting," he captioned the snap. The 63-year-old actor has not spoken up on the incident.

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