“Rust” Investigation

The+fatal+accident+that+occurred+on+set+is+still+being+investigated+by+authorities

AP Images/Jae Hong

The fatal accident that occurred on set is still being investigated by authorities

Derek Scott, News Editor

   On October 21, a fatal shooting occurred on a movie studio’s set. The set belonged to theupcoming movie “Rust.” The incident happened in the empty deserts of New Mexico.

   The shooting occurred when Alec Baldwin was practicing how he would unholster his gun. He was facing the a camera and aiming what everyone believed to be was a prop gun.

   During one of the practice runs, Baldwin accidentally discharged the weapon, fatally shooting Halyna Hutchins.

   Hutchins was a cinematographer on the set of “Rust.” Hutchins reportedly said “that was nogood. That was no good at all,” while she was laid on the ground waiting for the on-site medic to arrive.

   Baldwin, in shock, reportedly said “what the f—k just happened?” Although nobody knows exactly how a loaded gun was allowed on set, there were several people who had been involved with the gun in some way. When the Federal Bureau of Investigation began to get involved, authorities found 500 rounds of ammunition on set, raising more eyebrows.

   The gun was handed to Baldwin by the assistant director, David Halls. Halls denied that he was the one who put live ammunition in the gun. He claims that he was unaware, but did not check the gun. Some conspiracy theorists believe that the accidental discharge was actually done on purpose, but these are nothing but conspiracy theories.

   This unfortunate accident is only one of many reported dangers of working on a movie ortelevision series set. This has lead to many of those who work on dangerous sets to speak out and lobby lawmakers at both the local and federal level to make stricter rules and regulations.

   The hope is that these stricter rules and regulations will help keep movie sets safe for everyone involved.

   This tragedy is only the latest in a long and bewildering history of freak accidents on production sets.