Alec Baldwin Was Told Gun Was Unloaded Before Shooting Halyna Hutchins

New details about the death of filmmaker Halyna Hutchins on the set of Rust from a search warrant affidavit.

A prop firearm was discharged by Alec Baldwin killing Hutchins and injuring director Joel Souza.

The same day as the incident a large portion of the film crew quit, citing payment and housing disputes, slowing down the usual pace of filming for the day as they scrambled to find a new crew.

Souza told police that the firearm was handed to Baldwin by assistant director Dave Halls, who told him that it was empty and safe to fire. All firearms were supposed to be checked by armorer Hannah Gutierrez and then by Halls, according to the affidavit.

Baldwin was practicing a cross-draw when he accidentally discharged the weapon. Souza said he was standing behind Hutchins when he “heard what sounded like a whip and then a loud pop,” the affidavit stated.

Baldwin had apparently been very careful with the firearms on set previously, making sure no children were near him whenever he handled one.

Baldwin spoke out about the situation on Twitter on Friday.

“There are no words to convey my shock and sadness regarding the tragic accident that took the life of Halyna Hutchins, a wife, mother and deeply admired colleague of ours,” he said. “I’m fully cooperating with the police investigation to address how this tragedy occurred and I am in touch with her husband, offering my support to him and his family. My heart is broken for her husband, their son, and all who knew and loved Halyna.”