'Rust' Producer Issues Statement Following Alec Baldwin Firearm Mishap That Killed One

The production company behind “Rust” has issued a statement following the firearm mishap involving Alec Baldwin that killed the film’s director of photography. In its statement, Rust Movie Productions LLC shared its message of grief to the family of Halyna Hutchins, the crew member who was killed in the incident.

“The entire cast and crew has been absolutely devastated by today’s tragedy, and we send our deepest condolences to Halyna’s family and loved ones,” said the company. “We have halted production on the film for an undetermined period of time and are fully cooperating with the Santa Fe Police Department’s investigation. We will be providing counseling services to everyone connected to the film as we work to process this awful event,” the statement read.

The incident happened on the set of “Rust” on Thursday. According to the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office, Hutchins and director Joel Souza was shot by a prop gun that Baldwin “discharged” on the film’s set. Hutchins was immediately airlifted by a helicopter to the University of New Mexico Hospital, where she was later pronounced dead from the injuries. An ambulance then transported Souza, 48, to Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical Center, where he was treated for his injuries.

In a photo obtained by People, Baldwin looked distraught with a phone pressed against his ear following the incident. He was also spotted lingering in the parking lot outside the Santa Fe County sheriff’s offices after being interrogated about the shooting.

A spokesperson for the department said Baldwin went to the office for questioning at his own will. “He came in voluntarily and he left the building after he finished his interviews,” said the spokesperson.

In a statement, the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office said the scene being filmed involved the use of a prop firearm. According to the statement, “detectives are investigating how and what type of projectile was discharged.”

No one has been arrested and no charges were filed for the incident as of this writing. “This incident remains an active investigation. As more information becomes available, updates will be provided,” said the Sheriff’s Department.