‘Rust’ Assistant Director Dave Halls Releases First Public Statement After Deadly Shooting

Rust assistant director Dave Halls has released his first statement since the fatal shooting of director of photography Halyna Hutchins that occurred on set. Halls was the one who handed Alec Baldwin the gun, which he believed to be safe.

“Halyna Hutchins was not just one of most talented people I’ve worked with, but also a friend,” Halls said in a written statement. “I’m shocked and saddened by her death.”

According to a search warrant Halls only checked three bullets in the gun before saying that it was safe to use. The films armorer told police that she had previously checked the ammunition to make sure none of it were live rounds earlier in the day.

Halls handed the gun to Baldwin and told him it was safe to use. Baldwin was practicing a cross-draw when he accidentally discharged the weapon. He had previously been very careful with firearms on set and was apparently heartbroken at the tragic accident.