Rust assistant director says film industry should “reevaluate its values” after shooting

David Halls, who reportedly handed Alec Baldwin the gun that discharged on the film set in October, has broken his silence.

David Halls, who served as the assistant director on independent film Rust, has spoken publicly for the first time since the fatal shooting incident that took place during production. On 21 October, actor Alec Baldwin discharged a firearm on the set of Rust in an accident that killed 42-year-old director of photography Halyna Hutchins and injured director Joel Souza. The shooting at Bonanza Creek Ranch in Santa Fe, New Mexico, happened in the middle of a scene that was being rehearsed. It has been reported that Baldwin was informed that the device he was using was "cold" and thus not loaded. District attorney Mary Cormack-Altwies has since moved to dispel previous accounts that the gun used by Baldwin was a prop. "It was a legit gun," she said. "It was an antique-era appropriate gun." Halls, who reportedly handed Baldwin the gun in question, has broken his silence via a statement issued to the New York Post on Monday, 1 November. “Halyna Hutchins was not just one of the most talented people I’ve worked with, but also a friend,” Halls said. “I’m shocked and saddened by her death. It’s my hope that this tragedy prompts the industry to reevaluate its values and practices to ensure no one is harmed through the creative process again.” Halls noted that he’s been “overwhelmed by the love and support” he has received, adding “my thoughts are with all who knew and loved Halyna". On Saturday, Alec Baldwin gave his first interview since the incident occurred. In a video shared by TMZ, he noted that he's "not allowed to make any comment because it's an ongoing investigation" before underlining that he has been ordered by authorities to not answer any questions in relation to the investigation. "A woman died," Baldwin said. "She was my friend. She was my friend. The day I arrived in Santa Fe to start shooting, I took her to dinner with Joel [Souza], the director. "We were a very, very well-oiled crew shooting a film together and then this horrible event happened." Baldwin once again stressed that he has been told "multiple times" not to make any comment about the investigation before being asked if he has met with the family of Hutchins. "Yes, I met with her husband Matthew and her son," he said. "The guy is overwhelmed with grief. There are incidental accidents on film sets from time to time, but nothing like this. This is a one in trillion episode. It's a one in a trillion event. "So, he is in shock. He has a nine-year-old son. We are in constant contact with him because we are very worried about his family and his kid and, as I said, we are eagerly awaiting for the sheriff's department to tell us what their investigation has yielded." Baldwin added that an ongoing effort to limit the use of firearms on film sets is something he is "extremely interested" in and that "new measures" are called for.