The official heading the investigation into the fatal accident on the set of Alec Baldwin's Western movie says in a press release that no one is excluded from possible charges.

• Oct 28, 2021

AceShowbiz - The sheriff overseeing the investigation into a fatal shooting accident on the set of Alec Baldwin's new film in Santa Fe, New Mexico insists it's too soon to discuss possible charges.

Cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was killed and director Joel Souza wounded when Baldwin fired what he was told was a "cold" unloaded gun during a rehearsal for a scene in "Rust" on Thursday (21Oct21) at the Bonanza Creek Ranch.

Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza, who is leading the investigation into the incident, broke his silence at a press conference on Wednesday and told the media, "It's too early right now in the investigation to comment on charges at this point."

He added, "The investigation will continue and if the Sheriff's Office determines during our investigation that a crime has occurred and probable cause exists, an arrest or arrests will be made and charges will be filed. Otherwise, we will complete our investigation and forward the complete investigation and evidence to the District Attorney for review."

Mendoza also revealed that, although film from the day of the tragedy exists, "there was no footage of the actual accident."

Asked for his opinion about safety on the "Rust" film set, he added, "I think there was some complacency on this set and I think there are some safety issues that need to be addressed by the industry and possibly the state of New Mexico."

Also speaking at the press conference, First Judicial District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies said, "If the facts and evidence and law support charges, then I will initiate prosecution at that time... We are not there yet."

On Tuesday, she told the New York Times, "All options are on the table and no one has been ruled out," when asked if she thought criminal charges would be filed.

Mendoza has also revealed that his lawmakers have recovered "500 rounds of ammunition... a mix of blanks, dummy rounds and what we are suspecting are live rounds," and "a lead projectile... has been recovered from the shoulder of Mr. Souza."

Baldwin, Souza, first assistant director Dave Halls, and armourer Hannah Reed-Gutierrez are among those who have already been interviewed by cops and released without travel restrictions.

Concluding the press conference on Wednesday, Sheriff Mendoza said, "We identified two other people that handled and or inspected the loaded gun prior to Baldwin firing the weapon. These two individuals are armorer Hannah Reed-Gutierrez and assistant director David Halls... We believe we have in our possession the firearm that was fired by Mr. Baldwin. This is the firearm that we believe discharged the bullet."