Emotional Testimony of 'Rust' Assistant Director David Halls on Discovering Halyna Hutchins

‘Rust’ Assistant Director David Halls Details Finding Halyna Hutchins in Emotional Court Testimony

Halyna Hutchins Courtesy of Hutchins Family/MEGA

Rust assistant director David Halls shared his emotional testimony in court on Thursday, February 29, regarding the tragic set shooting.

During the court session, Halls mentioned, "It wasn't making sense. I thought that a blank round had been inserted," as reported by ABC News. This was in reference to the moment when actor Alec Baldwin was holding the prop gun towards cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and director Joel Souza.

Halls, the film’s safety coordinator, mentioned that he had checked the revolver for safety before the incident occurred. He was one of the first crew members to reach Hutchins after she fell to the ground when the gun unexpectedly discharged.

When Hutchins fell, Halls remembered her saying, “I can’t feel my legs,” which brought tears to his eyes as he recalled the moment on Thursday.

In March 2023, Halls was charged with negligent use of a deadly weapon and sentenced to six months of unsurprised probation in a plea deal.

‘Rust’ Assistant Director David Halls Details Finding Halyna Hutchins in Emotional Court Testimony

David Halls YouTube

In his testimony while accepting a plea deal, he admitted that he neglected to properly check the gun. He also acknowledged that he did an inadequate check before the incident.

Halls also explained his decision to testify in Rust armorer Hannah Gutierrez’s trial for involuntary manslaughter. Gutierrez maintains her innocence.

He emphasized the importance of revealing the truth to Halyna's family, the cast and crew of Rust, as well as the industry as a whole. Halls wants everyone to know what happened to prevent similar incidents in the future.

In October 2021, during the production of the western film Rust, actor Baldwin, aged 65, accidentally discharged a prop gun, causing injuries to director Souza and director of photography Hutchins. Both were rushed to the hospital for medical attention, but tragically, Hutchins, aged 42, succumbed to her injuries. Souza, aged 50, did eventually recuperate.

‘Rust’ Assistant Director David Halls Details Finding Halyna Hutchins in Emotional Court Testimony

Alec Baldwin expressed his shock and sadness about the tragic accident on the set of 'Rust' that took the life of Halyna Hutchins. In a statement released the following day, Baldwin described Halyna as a wife, mother, and a highly respected colleague.

Baldwin mentioned that he is fully cooperating with the police investigation to understand how the tragedy occurred. He also stated that he is in touch with Halyna's husband, offering his support to him and his family.

Baldwin's heart breaks for Halyna's husband, their son, and all those who knew and loved her.

Several months later, in an interview with ABC News, Baldwin stated that he did not knowingly "pull the trigger" or realize that the gun was loaded.

In December 2021, the actor emphasized, "I would never aim a gun at someone and fire it at them. Never. I am clueless about how a bullet ended up in there." He added, "Someone placed a live bullet in the gun. A bullet that was not supposed to be on the property."

In January, it was announced that Baldwin was charged with involuntary manslaughter. He requested a quick trial to lessen public criticism and doubt. However, the trial has not started yet.

Editor's P/S:

The tragic shooting on the set of "Rust" has shaken the film industry and raised important questions about gun safety protocols. David Halls' emotional testimony reveals the devastating consequences of negligence and highlights the need for comprehensive safety measures on film sets. His decision to testify in the trial of Hannah Gutierrez, the film's armorer, demonstrates his commitment to uncovering the truth and preventing similar incidents in the future.

The article also sheds light on Alec Baldwin's involvement in the accident. While he maintains that he did not intentionally pull the trigger, his actions have had profound repercussions. The charges against him underscore the importance of accountability and the need to hold individuals responsible for their actions, even in complex and tragic situations. The ongoing trial will provide a deeper understanding of the events leading up to the shooting and the lessons that can be learned to ensure the safety of everyone involved in filmmaking.