Alec Baldwin says 'heart is broken' after fatally shooting

Entertainment Live: Hollywood star Alec Baldwin said Friday his "heart is broken" after he fatally shot a cinematographer with a prop gun he had been told was safe on the set of a Western about an accidental killing.

The US actor and producer said he was "fully cooperating" with a police investigation, as law enforcement officials carried out a search warrant, and reports emerged of allegedly dangerous working conditions on the set.

"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," Baldwin tweeted.

Baldwin had been handed a prop gun by an assistant director who did not know it was loaded and shouted "Cold gun" meaning it contained no live ammunition according to a search warrant seen by the Santa Fe Reporter.

Performing a rehearsal scene, Baldwin fired the gun, striking Hutchins in the chest, and the film's director in the shoulder. Hutchins, 42, was transported to hospital by helicopter but died of her wounds.

Hutchins' union IATSE which represents film industry technicians including cinematographers said it was "heartbroken and devastated to learn that one of our members, sister Halyna Hutchins, died yesterday."

The union's branch representing prop masters sent an email to members stating that "a live single round was accidentally fired," although law enforcement has yet to confirm details about the firearm involved.

"It's time to stop being macho about blanks and end the practice," tweeted director Ben Rock, noting that gunshot effects such as the loud bang and muzzle flash can be added in post-production with modern technology.

 

Dhaka, 23 October (campuslive24.com)//BSC

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