“Rust” accident
It is too early to be charged
Alec Baldwin is cooperative in the investigation into the “Rust” accident.
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On Wednesday, the police and the public prosecutor’s office reported the first results of the investigation into the fatal accident on the “Rust” set.
As part of the filming of the film “Rust” in the US state of New Mexico, a shot was apparently accidentally fired about a week ago when actor Alec Baldwin (63) was rehearsing a weapon that was handed to him. This emerged from a questioning of the director Joel Souza (48) by the police, which is available to the US broadcaster “NBC”, among others. Halyna Hutchins, 42, and Souza were shot on the set. The camerawoman died as a result of her injuries. Santa Fe County Sheriff, Adan Mendoza, and District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies, on Wednesday (October 27) at 9 a.m. local time (6 p.m. German time) informed of the latest findings in the case.
Mendoza said at the press conference that investigators had collected approximately 600 pieces of evidence, including what investigators believe to be the weapon Baldwin had fired. A total of three firearms, 500 loads of ammunition and various items of clothing were seized. In addition, a lead projectile that was taken from the shoulder of director Joel Souza was taken as evidence. It is said to be the bullet that was fired from Alec Baldwin’s gun.
Will Alec Baldwin be charged?
In addition, other bullets have been secured, which are also said to be live ammunition. These are now to be examined by ballistics experts. Any other items found will be turned over to the FBI for analysis. The investigation continued, especially because around 100 people were on the set and many would have to be interviewed, Mendoza said. Baldwin, the film’s producer and lead actor, is part of the investigation and is very cooperative, the sheriff added.
“I think there was a certain carelessness about this set, and I think there are some security issues that need to be addressed by the industry and possibly the state of New Mexico, but I’ll leave that to the industry and the state,” noted Mendoza. District Attorney Carmack-Altwies pointed out that it was too early to bring charges. At this point in time, however, it will not be ruled out for anyone – “All options are now still on the table”. When there will be new results or possible charges and arrests cannot be said at the time.
Who is held accountable in the case of “Rust” depends on how far the alleged negligence extends. The gunsmith, the person responsible for the gun props used in the filming, could be sued, as could the assistant director who allegedly handed Baldwin the gun. Members of the “Rust” crew told the Los Angeles Timesthat safety protocols, including gun inspections, were not strictly followed on set. One of the cameramen complained to a production manager about the safety of the weapons last weekend, it is said. The production company Rust Movie Productions said in a statement on Friday that it was not aware of “any official complaints about the safety of weapons or props on the set”.