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Alec Baldwin, the films star and one of its producers, discharged the gun.
But the developments have left many unanswered questions and concerns.
How did a fatal shooting happen with what was reportedly a prop?
How common are injuries from guns on film sets?
Then, inDecember 2022,Rust assistant director Dave Halls countersued Baldwin and other crew members.
Below, everything we do and dont know about the fatal shooting on set ofRust.
What happened?
The sheriffs officetold the New YorkTimesthe shooting occurred during a scene that was either being rehearsed or filmed.
What are the charges for theRustshooting?
One of Baldwins charges included a gun enhancement that would add five years to a jail sentence.
The Santa Fe District Attorneys Office dropped the enhancement charge on February 20, perABC News.
The first charge carries a maximum sentence of 18 months.
The now-dropped charge, which included a firearm enhancement, would have had a minimum of five years.
According toThe Wrap, Baldwin pleaded not guilty to the involuntary manslaughter charge on February 23, 2023.
He also waived his first court appearance, which has now been canceled.
We will fight these charges, and we will win.
What kind of gun was used, and how did it go off?
The Sheriffs Office is referring to this incident as a shooting investigation, a spokespersontoldVariety.
We havent even begun the forensics on that issue, a spokesperson said.
That hasnt been determined by us as of yet.
The office said more information should be expected next week.
It is also unclear how many rounds were fired from the gun and how the two people were shot.
Film sets sometimes choose to use real guns over replicas.
Guns are usually used at a distance and not fired in the direction of anyone else.
TheLos AngelesTimesreportedon October 22 that there had been existing concerns about gun safety protocols on theRustset.
According to a crew member, there were no subsequent safety meetings or investigations.
One said she had previously filed two formal safety complaints against Halls.
Also recovered was the shell casing and lead projectile from the suspected live round that was fired.
Other suspected live rounds were also collected on the set, along with blanks and dummies.
How is Alec Baldwin involved?
Baldwin, who discharged the gun, is both starring inRustand a producer on the film.
He was questioned by investigators and released, the Sheriffs Officetold Deadline.
Baldwin also said he is fully cooperating with the police investigation to address how this tragedy occurred.
Headdressed the shooting, denying responsibility for the discharged gun in a December interview with ABC.
My heart is broken for her husband, their son, and all who knew and loved Halyna.
Hutchins announced October 5 that hesettled the lawsuit with Baldwin and the producers.
All of us believe Halynas death was a terrible accident.
Halls has countersued Baldwin, Zachry, Kenney, and Gutierrez-Reed,perTHR.
How has the industry responded?
A number of unions and industry groups released statements on the shooting.
The Screen Actors Guild echoed the other unions condolences in a statement,per Deadline.
This is beyond a tragedy and there are so many rules in place to double-check this cant happen.
I cant even fathom how this is possible,tweetedactor and comedian Paul Scheer.
Othersincludingactors June Diane Raphael and Liz Jenkins echoed the shock at the shooting, given typical on-set precautions.
There has to be better way.
Who was Halyna Hutchins?
Hutchins was the director of photography onRust.
Im just really interested in finding fruitful collaborations, she told the magazine.
To me, its the collaborative effort between creative minds that elevates each others work.
Hutchinss husband, Matthew,told Insider, I appreciate that everyone has been very sympathetic.
Matt said he needed to be with Andros after finding out Halyna had been shot.
He didnt believe it right away, Hutchins said.
He didnt want to believe it.
Matt also said Halynas tombstone is inscribed with, Her light shapes our lives / Keep chasing your vision.
What isRustabout?
The film wasannouncedin May 2020 ahead of the 2020 Virtual Cannes Market.
Has this happened before?
The incident recalls a few prior fatal shootings on film sets.
That caused the blank to propel the dummy round out of the barrel, striking Lee.
No one should ever be killed by a gun on a film set, she wrote.
No one should ever be killed by a gun on a film set.
Aside from Lees death, Jon-Erik Hexum alsonotablydied in an on-set shooting in 1984.
A blank round fired, shattering part of his skull into his brain.
He was declared dead six days later in what was found to be an accident.
His mother later received an out-of-court settlement from the production company.
What had been happening behind the scenes ofRust?
(Hutchins had reportedly called for better conditions for her camera crew.)
The production company said it would conduct its own review of the set along with the police investigation.
What will law enforcement be examining?
Investigators reportedly also want to examine Baldwins bloody clothes, as well as weapons and weapon ownership documents.
What is the future ofRust?
The movies filming picked back up in April with Baldwin resuming his starring role.
Theres no word yet on when the film is scheduled to be released.
Souza said in a separate statementto Deadlinethat the film would be a tribute to Halyna Hutchins.
My every effort on this film will be devoted to honoring Halynas legacy and making her proud.
It is a privilege to see this through on her behalf.
This story has been updated throughout.
