It has been reported that Alec Baldwin was practicing removing the prop gun from its holster and aiming it towards the camera before fatally shooting Halyna Hutchins.
In Joel Souza's freshly-released statement, the filmmaker claimed he heard "what sounded like a whip and then a loud pop" in the final moments of Hutchins' life.
According to Souza, the gun had been identified as 'cold' before being given to Baldwin. This means that they believed there was no live ammunition inside the gun at the time. This vital error became clear as the gun discharged, allegedly shooting Hutchins in the chest, and Souza in his right shoulder.
Hutchins was pronounced dead by medical personnel at Albuquerque Hospital, New Mexico, on 21st October.
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Souza's statement shines a new light on the situation, which has rocked the film industry and stunned fans worldwide. People have been calling for safer work environments following the incident.
Souza's statement documented the events of the day in full.
Three people were allegedly handling the gun at the scene: amourer Hannah Guitierrez-Reed, assistant director Dave Halls, who then handed the gun to Baldwin.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, it's reported Halls was only able to take the gun from a cart left outside the set. It was his understanding that the gun was inactive.
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Souza stated that live rounds "should never [...] be in or around the scene".
Baldwin was allegedly in the middle of demonstrating how he was going to pull the gun from the holster, and where his arm would be placed afterwards. It was during this time that the gun discharged.
Souza was stood behind Hutchins when she was stricken. The late cinematographer then grabbed her chest, tripped backwards and was "assisted to the ground," according to a detective. He recalls hearing her say that she "couldn't feel her legs".
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Rust has stated that the safety of its cast and crew is "top priority".
Production for the film has since shut down, though officials have stated against ruling out the possibility of re-opening.
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