Court Records Show Alec Baldwin was Unaware the Prop Gun Used in Killing had Live Rounds

SANTA FE, N.M. – An assistant director appears to have unwittingly handed Alec Baldwin a loaded weapon and told him it was safe to use in minutes before the actor fatally shot a cinematographer, according to court records that were released Friday.

But in reality, the gun was loaded with live rounds, and as Baldwin pulled the trigger Thursday on the set of a Western, the shot killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and injured Director Joel Souza, who was standing just behind her.

The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office obtained a search warrant Friday, allowing investigators to document the incident at the ranch outside Santa Fe. They sought the actor’s blood-stained costume for the film Rust as evidence, as well as the weapon that was fired, other prop guns and ammunition, and any footage that might exist.

The gun was one of three weapons that the film’s armorer, Hannah Gutierrez, had set on a cart outside the structure where the film was being shot, records showed. Assistant director Dave Halls then grabbed the gun from the cart and brought it inside to Baldwin who was unaware that it was loaded with live rounds, according to a search warrant application.

“I ran out and called 911 and said ‘Bring everybody, send everybody, ” script supervisor Mamie Mitchell told The Associated Press. “This woman is gone at the beginning of her career. She was an extraordinary, rare, very rare woman.”

Mitchell said she along with other crew members were attending a private memorial service in Santa Fe Friday night.

Speaking earlier in the day, Baldwin described the killing as a “tragic accident.” The actor was performing at the time of the shooting, but It was unclear how many rounds were fired.