Crew members of the movie ‘Rust’ used guns with live ammunition on the set hours before the shooting incident took place that left cinematographer Halyna Hutchins dead. One of the guns that were used, during what the crew called “plinking”, was handed to actor Alec Baldwin, who fired the shot that injured director Joel Souza and killed Hutchins, the Wrap reported.

The news was confirmed by Sharon Waxman, founder and CEO of The Wrap, who told it to CNN. She cited the information based on an individual who had knowledge of the set.

As per Waxman, “plinking” is a common occurrence when there’s downtown during a shoot.

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In its report, CNN mentioned that the Wrap’s claims could not be verified.

When the Wrap asked for a comment on the new report, producers referred to their previous statement that was released: “The safety of our cast and crew is the top priority of Rust Productions and everyone associated with the company. Though we were not made aware of any official complaints concerning weapon or prop safety on set, we will be conducting an internal review of our procedures while production is shut down. We will continue to cooperate with the Santa Fe authorities in their investigation and offer mental health services to the cast and crew during this tragic time.”

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As per the director Souza, the gun went off when Baldwin was practicing drawing his gun. The incident happened at the Bonanza Creek Ranch in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

According to an affidavit released by the Sante Fe County Sheriff’s Office, Souza told them that Baldwin was “sitting in a pew in a church building setting, and he was practicing a cross draw.”

The affidavit mentioned that Souza was looking over Hutchins’ shoulder when he heard the gun go off and produce a pop sound.

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Souza further added that three people were handling the firearms for scenes. They were checked by the armorer and first assistant director and then given to the actor.

No charges have been filed.