Baldwin’s film producers had formally halted filming. Court records show that investigators took more than twenty-four items from Baldwin’s set the day after the shooting.
A producer of the movie “Freedom’s Path,” confirmed to The Associated Press that Dave Halls was fired after a minor injury to a crew member. “When a gun was unexpectedly released,” the producer wrote. Production was not resumed until Halls was gone.
CNN first reported his firing from Freedom’s Path. Halls has not responded to email and phone messages seeking comment.
Halls’ safety record is second in doubt, according to the producer. Halls was also mentioned by another crew member on Sunday.
Maggie Goll, a prop maker, and licensed pyrotechnician stated in a statement that Halls’ conduct led her to file an internal complaint with Hulu’s executive producers. Goll stated in a telephone interview that Halls ignored safety protocols for weapons, pyrotechnics, and tried to continue filming even though the supervising photographer, who was diabetic had lost consciousness while on set.
Goll stated that the fatal shooting and other experiences point to bigger safety concerns. He also said that crew safety was a key issue in recent negotiations between a union representing film and TV workers, and a major producer’s group.
“This is not about Dave Halls. She said that it was not Dave Halls’ fault. “It’s about safety on set, and what we want to accomplish with that culture.
The movie’s production team confirmed in an email to “Rust”, crew members, that the Western was being suspended until the investigation is completed. According to the team, it is working with law enforcement as well as conducting an internal safety review. The company also offers grief counseling.
The email suggested that the film work could be resumed at some point.
The email stated that although our hearts are broken and it is difficult to see beyond the horizon this is at the moment a pause, rather than an ending.
Monday’s sheriff’s investigation was continued by new court documents showing that authorities seize three black revolvers and ammunition boxes. They also seize a fanny bag with ammunition and several spent casings. Two leather gun belts with holders were also seized.
There have been no charges. On Wednesday, both law enforcement officers and the prosecution were expected to update us on the investigation.
Baldwin explained how he would draw the revolver out of his holster, and where his arm would be, court records show.
According to records, the actor was told the gun was safe for rehearsals of a scene where he was to take out the weapon from a pew in church and point it at camera.
Cameraman Reid Russell stated to a detective that he wasn’t certain if the weapon had been checked before it was given to Baldwin and that he didn’t know why the gun was fired.
According to a Sunday search warrant affidavit, Russell said that the camera was not in motion when the gun shot and killed Halyna Hutchins.
According to authorities, Halls handed the weapon to Baldwin after declaring “cold gun” that it was safe.
Russell answered Russell’s question about Baldwin’s treatment of firearms on set. He cited a previous incident in which Baldwin made sure that a child actor wasn’t near him while a gun was being fired.
Sunday’s affidavit also contained statements from director Joel Souza who was injured and stood behind Hutchins.
The video reveals the chaos on the set that day and details the moments leading up to the shooting. Russell stated that several members of the camera crew left the set in dispute over lodging and payment. He was left with much to do. One camera was not available for shooting, and the shadow and light had caused it to have to be moved.
Souza stated that he was focused only on the camera’s view of the scene. According to the affidavit, he said that he remembered hearing the phrase “cold guns” before shooting.
He stated that the scene didn’t call for live rounds. Souza stated that he wasn’t sure if the firearm was checked again after a lunch break. According to the affidavit, Souza was looking at Hutchins when he heard the gunshot.
Serge Svetnoy (the film’s chief electrician) blamed producers in an emotional Facebook post. Svetnoy claimed he worked with Hutchins in multiple films and criticized “negligence” and “unprofessionalism” among the weapons handlers. He claimed that producers had hired an inexperienced armourer.
Baldwin, well-known for his roles on “30 Rock” (The Hunt for Red October) and his portrayal of former President Donald Trump (“Saturday Night Live”) has described the death as a “tragic incident.”
