Hollywood star Alec Baldwin said his “heart is broken” Friday after he fatally shot a cinematographer with a prop gun on the set of a Western he was filming about an accidental killing.
The US actor and producer said he was “fully cooperating” with a police investigation into the incident, which also left the film’s director injured and has highlighted concerns about gun safety protocols on film sets.
“There are no words to convey my shock and sadness regarding the tragic accident that took the life of Halyna Hutchins, a wife, mother and deeply admired colleague of ours,” Baldwin tweeted.
He added: “My heart is broken for her husband, their son, and all who knew and loved Halyna.”
Hutchins, 42, was transported to hospital by helicopter but died of her wounds. Director Joel Souza, 48, was taken by ambulance and later released from hospital, “Rust” actress Frances Fisher tweeted, citing a text from him.
Production of “Rust” — in which Baldwin is playing the lead in a 19th century film about an accidental killing — has been suspended.
Santa Fe sheriff spokesman Juan Rios told AFP that Baldwin came in voluntarily and had “provided statements and answered their questions.” No charges have been filed and no arrests have been made.
Rios told The New York Times that the shooting happened in the middle of a scene that was being rehearsed or filmed.
The Santa Fe New Mexican published pictures of a distraught-looking Baldwin which it said were taken in the parking lot of the sheriff’s office after the tragedy. The paper said its reporter had seen the 63-year-old actor in tears
