Accidental Shooting on Set of ‘Rust’ Under Investigation by New Mexico OHSB

SANTA FE, NM — The accidental shooting that took place last Thursday on the New Mexico set of Rust, which took the life of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and wounded director Joel Souza, is being investigated by the state’s Occupational Health and Safety Bureau (OHSB). A prop gun was accidentally discharged by the film’s star, Alec Baldwin, while filming on location at the Bonanza Creek Ranch near Santa Fe.

In addition to the OHSB, the incident is also being investigated by the Santa Fe Sheriff’s Office and the state’s top prosecutor, First Judicial District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altweis. The OHSB can impose civil penalties for workplace accidents even if law enforcement determines that no crime occurred.

Rust‘s production company, Rust Movie Productions, LLC issued a statement on Friday that it “will be conducting an internal review of our procedures while production is shut down. We will continue to cooperate with the Santa Fe authorities in their investigation and offer mental health services to the cast and crew during this tragic time.”

According to multiple crew members, there were other incidents related to safety on the set prior to Thursday’s incident, including another prop gun being misfired the previous week. Just hours before Thursday’s incident, numerous crew members had walked off the job and resigned, citing numerous concerns.