As investigations continue on the horrific, accidental fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins by actor Alec Baldwin, more lapses on the set of Rust are coming to to the forefront. Recent reports suggest that criminal charges could be framed as the gun was not a prop gun and live ammo had been discharged. Before Alec Baldwin was handed the alleged prop gun, assistant director shouted “cold gun” according to multiple sources. Sources also told The Wrap that the gun whose shot killed the cinematographer and wounded director Joel Souza was used for recreational shooting.
Santa Fe County District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies told the New York Times that prosecutors have not ruled out filing criminal charges as the firearm was not a prop but was a “legit” one. It was an “antique-era appropriate gun.” The prosecutor also said that an “enormous amount of bullets” were found on the set and that investigations have to be carried out on the nature of the ammunition.
Earlier, a source, who wished to remain anonymous, told The Wrap that the gun that was used by the 63-year old actor had been used by crew earlier that very Thursday to shoot beer cans. The individual said that the round of target practice, that had not been sanctioned, occurred hours before the gun was handed to Baldwin, by Dave Hall.
The individual also said that several members of the crew had taken many of the prop guns that morning, before the fatal incident. They decided to go “plinking.” Plinking is a hobby of gun shooters who pass time shooting beer cans using live ammunition.
The Daily Mail had been the first to report that the gun was a Colt. It had been placed on a gray cart, unattended, outside the location of the set by armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed.
As the investigation continues, some politicians have taken to casting deep aspersions on actor Alec Baldwin who has been shattered by the incident. Halyna’s family, director Joel Souza and some of the cast who were present on the set have reiterated Baldwin’s shooting of Halyna was an accident as there were major lapses by others. Yet partisan politics has unfolded on social media. This has led to suggestions that these political commentators should be sued by Halyna’s family.
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