Alec Baldwin breaks down in first interview after Rust shooting that killed Haylna Hutchins, says ‘ I would never point a gun at anyone and pull the trigger’
American actor-producer Alec Baldwin has now said that he never pulled the trigger of the gun that shot director of photography Halyna Hutchins on the set of Rust.
In an excerpt released on Wednesday from the sit-down interview with ABC news, set to air on Thursday, Baldwin said, “The trigger wasn't pulled. I didn't pull the trigger.” When asked why he pointed the gun at Hutchins and pulled the trigger when that wasn't in the script, Baldwin said, “I would never point a gun at anyone and then pull the trigger, never.”
Baldwin also said he has no idea how a live bullet got in the Colt .45 revolver he used in the scene. “Someone put a live bullet in the gun, a bullet that wasn't even supposed to be on the property,” he said. An emotional Baldwin visibly fought back tears when talking about Hutchins. “She was someone who was loved by everyone who worked with her, liked by everyone who worked with her -- and admired," Baldwin said, adding, "it doesn't seem real to me.”
When asked if the shooting was the worst thing that had ever happened to him, Baldwin said yes, “because I think back and I think, what could I have done?”
Hutchins was killed and director Joel Souza injured in October after Baldwin discharged a weapon during a rehearsal that contained what authorities suspect was a live round. The incident, which remains under investigation, has renewed calls for better safety practices on sets with regards to the use of weapons. Baldwin has said he believes police officers should be present on “every film/TV set that uses guns, fake or otherwise” to monitor weapons safety.
The actor, best known for playing an egotistical TV network executive on TV comedy series 30 Rock has kept a low profile since the October shooting in New Mexico. Two crew members have filed lawsuits accusing Baldwin, the producers and others on the production of negligence and lax safety protocols. The producers have said they are conducting their own internal investigation.
