Rust’s assistant director was accused of making a series of gun-safety gaffes during a previous production. Staff were also said to have felt uncomfortable with his ‘touchy-feely’ behavior.   

After working with Dave Halls on Into the Dark, a previous production on Hulu in 2019, Maggie Goll, a prop maker and pyrotechnician, made complaints against him.

Goll claimed in a statement to CNN that Halls had never addressed weapon safety protocols in production meetings, or when a firearm was to go on the set.

Goll also stated that another crew member told her to ‘watch out for him’ because Halls was known to be touchy-feely.

According to court documents, Hutchins may have lost his life because of his behavior on set. 

In a statement by Maggie Goll, pyrotechnician and prop master Maggie Halls, Dave Halls was accused of being ‘touchy” with crew members and not following gun protocol on film sets.

According to court documents, Halls was the one who had handed Alec Baldwin the loaded gun that accidentally killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins

According to court documents, Halls was the one that gave Alec Baldwin the loaded gun that accidentally led to the death of cinematographer Halyna HUTCHINS.

Goll spoke out about her experience with Halls on Into the Dark. He had not held production meetings to comply with standard weapon safety protocols.

These regulations require that any weapon used on a set, whether real or fake, must be ‘introduced to’ the cast and crew so they are aware of its presence and can follow other safety protocols. 

Goll stated in the statement that ‘the only reason the crew was made aware about a weapon’s existence was because the assistant propmaster demanded Dave acknowledge the situation and announce it each day. 

She also stated that Halls would be reprimanded by the prop master for not acknowledging the protocol.

According to her statement, the prop master would  ‘announce each day when a gun would be required on camera, the disposition of that weapon — whether it was a rubber/plastic replica, a non-firing option, or a ‘cold’ functional, but unloaded option, allowing anyone to inspect said weapon prior to bringing it to set and presenting it to the talent.’

‘The Prop Master regularly reprimanded Dave because he dismissed the talent without returning props, weapon included. He also criticized him for failing to make safety announcements.

Goll said that she had previously worked with Halls on Hulu's anthology series Into the Dark in 2019. Actors Jimmi Simpson (left) and Kylie Rogers (right) are seen on the set in 2018

Goll claimed that she had previously worked alongside Halls on Hulu’s anthology series Into the Dark in 2019. The set was photographed in 2018 by Jimmi Simpson and Kylie Rogers.

Another crew member, unnamed, said that Halls would only have short meetings about guns when needed but would often ask why he was holding them. However, he claimed that the protocols were the same for every film set. 

Goll’s statement also stated that a pyrotechnician was told by Goll to continue working on set despite her telling him about a medical emergency.

Goll continued, “I told them they can film whatever they want, but there would be no sparks or fire until the medic, fire officer, and all of our crewmates were safely returned to set,” Goll stated.

She also discussed Halls’ alleged ‘handsy misconduct’ that made other crew members uncomfortable.  

“On my first day on the series, another crewmember told me to “watch out for Dave,” stating that he was too familiar with crew members despite numerous complaints and rebuffs about unwelcome and unnecessary touches.

“Nothing too extreme. Crew members of all genders were being made uncomfortable because Dave’s touches on their backs, waists and shoulders.

Goll claimed that nothing has been done to her complaints, as far as she knows, after she submitted them to Blumhouse Productions, the Director’s Guild of America, and Blumhouse Productions.

The accusations made against Halls comes after Rust set armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, 24, was also under fire for previous on-set behavior.

Set armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, 24, had set the loaded gun outside of the filming location before Halls picked it up and gave it Baldwin

Hannah Gutierrez – Reed, 24, was the set armourer. She had left the loaded gun at the filming location. Halls took it home and gave it Baldwin.

Gutierrez-Reed was also claimed to have given an 11-year-old child actor a gun on the set of the Nicholas Cage film The Old Way without properly checking it

Gutierrez–Reed was also said to have given an 11-year old child actor a gun on set of Nicholas Cage film The Old Way without checking it

Two production sources claim Guiterrez­Reed gave a gun to an 11-year old child actor on the set for Nicholas Cage’s The Old Way without checking it.

They said that she was loading blanks in an “unsafe” manner and was a bit reckless with the guns.

According to Rust, she was reported to have set up the three prop guns on a cart and Halls grabbed one of the loaded guns that was given to Baldwin.

Halls had yelled “Cold gun!” Halls had yelled “Cold gun!” after giving it to Baldwin, signaling that the weapon was safe for firing.

Baldwin shot Hutchins accidentally and injures Joel Souza.

Hutchins was later declared dead at UNM Hospital Albuquerque on Thursday. 

Baldwin expressed shock and sadness on Twitter Friday. I’m fully cooperating in the police investigation to determine how this tragedy occurred. I am in touch and offering my support for her husband and his family. My heart breaks for her husband and their son, as well as all those who knew and loved Halyna.  

He then tweeted a Variety article titled Alec Baldwin Was Told Prop Gun Was Safe Before Fatal Shooting, Affidavit Says.

After speaking with the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Department about the shooting, he was shown looking in pain on Thursday.

On Saturday night, hundreds of members from local entertainment unions came to Santa Fe to pay their respects.  

The gun that went off in Alec Baldwin’s hands and claimed Halyna’s life was used for off-set practice by crew members. Sources claim that live ammo, blanks and live ammunition were kept together. 

Alec Baldwin was wielding a vintage Colt pistol when it accidentally went off. It is not known who loaded the weapon and why it went off as a replacement crew was brought in the day of the incident (The gun pictured above is a vintage Colt pistol manufactured between 1873-92. While the exact model of the gun used is unknown, Rust is set in the 1880s)

Alec Baldwin was holding a Colt pistol from the past when it accidentally went off. It is not known who loaded the weapon and why it went off as a replacement crew was brought in the day of the incident (The gun pictured above is a vintage Colt pistol manufactured between 1873-92. Although it is not known which gun model was used, Rust is believed to have been made in the 1880s.

 The gun that killed the cinematographer on the set of Alec Baldwin’s Rust had been used for target practice by crew members, sources linked to the western film’s production said. 

Multiple sources close to the Rust set told TMZ that crew members had used the Colt pistol recreationally before it went off in Alec Baldwin’s hands, killing Halyna Houtchins and injuring Joel Souza. 

According to sources, crew members would go on target practice with real bullets. Some believe that a live cartridge from these practice sessions made its way onto the set. 

Another source said to TMZ that live ammunition and blanks were stored in the same area as the set. This could be another explanation for how a bullet was fired out of Baldwin’s Colt.  

A warrant was released Friday stating that Hannah Gutierrez-Reed (24), a Rust armorer, had placed three prop guns on a cart near the filming location. First assistant director Dave Halls then grabbed the Colt from that cart and brought it into Baldwin, not realizing that it was loaded up with live rounds. 

“Cold gun!” Halls shouted “Cold gun!” Before handing the gun to Baldwin. This phrase was used to signal the crew and cast that the gun was safe to be fired for the scene, the warrant stated. 

Baldwin was filming a scene in an Old West-style church when she saw that the camera was about to go off. She apparently pointed at the camera and pulled the trigger. She accidentally killed Hutchins and injured Souza. 

Two production sources who worked with Gutierrez­Reed previously said that this was not her first incident on a movie set. 

Two sources informed The Daily Beast that Hannah Gutierrez–Reed allegedly gave an 11-year old actress a gun, without properly inspecting it, while she was filming The Old Way with Nicholas Cage. 

Sources said that there were a few instances when she loaded the blanks and did it in an unsafe manner.

Sources on the set of Rust said the incident that killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins could be tied to the armorer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed

Sources on the set of Rust said the incident that killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins could be tied to the armorer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed

“She was a little careless with guns, waving it around every so often.”  

Sources close to the Rust family claim that the fatal incident that killed Hutchins (42), and injured Souza (48), was caused by production failures from the top. 

They added that Halls, assistant director, had handed Baldwin the gun and told him it was safe. 

According to one source, ‘He was supposed to be our last defense and he failed me.’ “He’s not supposed to be looking at that firearm.”

According to a Rust production source, there have been at least two other instances of guns accidentally being discharged by crew members on set prior to Thursday’s tragic incident. 

Gutierrez­Reed was described as ‘inexperienced’ and ‘green’ by the source. 

 

Baldwin, 63, had accidentally shot Hutchins and injured director Joel Souza after he fired at the camera

Baldwin, 63 years old, accidentally shot Hutchins. He also injured director Joel Souza when he fired at his camera.

Matthew Hutchins and son Andros leave a New Mexico Hotel and relocate to another location after the tragic death of wife Halyna Hutchins, who was accidentally shot by Alec Baldwin while making a western movie

Matthew Hutchins and his son Andros move to another New Mexico Hotel after the tragic death Halyna Hutchins’ wife. Alec Baldwin accidentally shot Matthew Hutchins while making a western movie.

Matthew attended a private memorial service for this wife with his son and Alec Baldwin, with whom he has been in contact following his wife's tragic death

Matthew attended a private service of condolence for his wife with Alec Baldwin and his son, who he had been in touch with since his tragic death.

Hutchins husband shared a touching tribute for his wife on Twitter Friday. Matthew Hutchins shared a photo on Friday of his wife and their 9 year-old son Andros. It was captioned: “Halyna inspired all of us with her passion and vision. Her legacy is too meaningful for words to capture.

‘Our loss is enormous, and we ask that the media please respect my family’s privacy as we process our grief. We are grateful to everyone who shared images and stories about her life.

His Facebook profile picture shows a photo of his 16-year-old wife. His bio now says: “We miss you, Halyna.”    

Friday’s private memorial was attended by Baldwin, Hutchins, and Andros. 

 The International Cinematographers Guild organized a candlelight vigil at Albuquerque Civic Plaza, as calls for measures to protect movie crew from on-set firearm-related accidents grow.

A second vigil for Hutchins will be held on Sunday, June 6th from 6.30 to 7.30pm at IATSE Local 80 headquarters Burbank.

A vigil was held in honor of Hutchins at the Albuquerque Civic Plaza on October 23

On October 23, Hutchins was honored at the Albuquerque Civic Plaza.

Dozens reportedly attended the candlelit vigil that was held for Hutchins

Hutchins’ candlelit vigil was attended by dozens

Dozens of people attended the Albuquerque vigil. They lit candles, shared heartfelt messages about Hutchins, and held candles.

“Tonight is about Halyna. During the vigil, a woman said that there will be plenty of time for the who, the what, and the why in the near future.

“But we have to accomplish two things tonight. She continued, “The first is to comfort one another and the second is for us to celebrate the extraordinary life of a remarkable lady that was cut too soon.”

“Let’s all gather together to honor Halyna, her achievements, and grieve as one. Please bring your candle and join us for a candlelight candlelight vigil in memory of Halyna. This was previously shared by the International Cinematographers Guild on Facebook.

Signs that read “She deserved a safe work environment!” The vigil attendees held signs reading ‘She deserved a safe workplace!’ and ‘S.O.S Safety On Sets’.   

A change.org petition calling for Hollywood to ban the use of firearms on film sets has gathered over 10,000 signatures since it was created on Thursday.

Hutchins’ friend and colleague Director Bandar Albaliwi started the petition. There is no excuse for something such as this to happen in 21st century. On film production sets, real guns are no longer necessary. 

He tweeted: ‘There’s no reason to have guns loaded with blanks or anything on set anymore. It should be outlawed completely. There’s computers now.   

Alec Baldwin tragedy kills ‘kind and loving’ cinematographer: Ukraine-born Halyna Hutchins (42), was raised on a Soviet military base that was surrounded by nuclear submarines. She was trained as a journalist and was considered a rising star in Hollywood.

As the sun streams from the top, Halyna Hutchins, cinematographer, smiles at the camera as she films herself riding on horseback through the New Mexico desert.

This was the last Instagram post that the married mother of one shared before Alec Baldwin shot a prop gun and accidentally killed her. Baldwin was filming a scene for a Western at a Santa Fe ranch.

Halyna, 42 years old, was born in Ukraine and raised on a Soviet military bases’surrounded by nuclear submarines and reindeer’. She had previously trained as a journalist before moving to Los Angeles where she had established her career and started a family. 

Sun streaming from above, cinematographer Halyna Hutchins smiles into the camera as she films herself riding off into the New Mexico desert on horseback. This was the last Instagram post shared by the married mother-of-one before she was accidentally killed by actor Alec Baldwin when he fired a prop gun while filming a scene for upcoming Western, Rust, yesterday

Born in Ukraine and raised on a Soviet military base 'surrounded by reindeer and submarines', Halyna had recently wrapped on a project in Ireland and was tipped for a bright future in Hollywood when her life was so tragically cut short. Pictured, in 2018

Halyna was born in Ukraine, raised on a Soviet military base “surrounded by reindeer & submarines”, and was poised for a bright career in Hollywood when her tragically ended. Pictured in 2018.

Her social media profiles also paint a clear image of a free-spirited, much-loved friend, many of whom have been paying tribute. Pictured, a touching post by close friend Stephanie

Her social media profiles show a clear portrait of a fun-loving, free-spirited friend, many of whom have been paying their respects. Pictured: A touching post by Stephanie, a friend.

Friends recall Halyna as a kind’ and ‘loving soul’. She lived in Venice Beach with Matthew, a lawyer and their son Andros. 

In a touching Instagram tribute, a friend wrote that Halyna loved him and enjoyed watching him develop into the handsome boy he was today. I know she is taking care of Matt during this terrifying time.

Halyna smiles brightens up social media photos, capturing a playfulness in adventure and a sense that there is always something to see. 

She was also highly respected by her peers, and was considered a ‘rising star” by other cinematographers. Adam Mortimer, a friend, colleague, and director of the film, said to GMB that she was a person who was devoted to art and integrity. “I could already tell she was going to be genius. 

Halya (right) on a visit back to Kiev in December 2018. She was raised on a military base in the country and later attended the National University of Kyiv, studying International Journalism

Halya (right), during a December 2018 return visit to Kiev. She was raised in a military base and then attended the National University of Kyiv to study International Journalism.

Friends remember Halyna as a kind and loving soul. She lived in Venice Beach, California with Matthew, her husband, and their son Andros.

Baldwin, 62 years old, was filming a scene in Rust when the gun went off at 1.50pm. Hutchins was killed and Joel Souza, 48, was injured. The incident took place at at Bonanza Creek Ranch.

Hutchins was airlifted to the University of New Mexico Hospital by an air ambulance, but was declared dead shortly afterwards. 

Souza was transported by ambulance to the Christus St Vincent Regional Medical Center. Although his condition is unknown, he has been released.

Will Stewart, Daily Mail’s Moscow correspondent explained how Halyna worked for him during the mid-2000s. 

“This is devastating and unintelligible news about Halyna’s death. After graduating from a local university, she was trained in International Journalism and worked for my news agency in Kyiv.

‘Halyna was involved as a journalist in many British magazines and newspapers. But she also had a talent for documentaries. This was her first exposure to filmmaking, and it was this that she became so successful in America.

“At this time, while she was still with us, in 2006 she was Associate Producer on a Discovery Channel documentary on Ukrainian icon Leonid Stanyk called World’s Tallest Man. It was made by British company Wild Pictures.

She made sure that Mr. Stadnyk felt at ease while he was taking part in the documentary about the problems of being extraordinarily tall.

“The film was directed by Richard Denton in Britain, with Paul Hamann, the former Head of Documentaries at BBC Radio, as executive producers. Without her, it would not have been possible.

‘Mr Stadnyk is a shy man who trusted Halyna, after refusing many other offers to film, and thanked her for it.

‘Pictures in advance of the film show him towering over Halyna’s home in the village Podoliantsy.

“She later traveled to the USA with her husband Matt. She achieved great things due to her enormous talent and creativity, but also her unwavering determination to learn and study.

“She once said to my Russian colleagues that she felt like she was a perpetual student of America. But her efforts paid off and she got the success she deserved.

“It is tragic she died in such cruel and inexplicable circumstances while doing the job that she loved.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Matt, their son, and Halyna’s family in Ukraine.

Richard Denton, the producer of Shakespeare Uncovered and many films set in the former USSR, stated today that Halyna was the most wonderful person to work alongside.

“She was friendly, helpful, and very kind. She did everything, from translating interviews to getting Leonid’s horse moving in the right direction.

“She was completely unpretentious, and incredibly professional.”

Her death was’senseless, stupid’