While filming the Western movie 'Rust', actor Alec Baldwin was handling a prop gun during a rehearsal when the weapon discharged. The incident occurred at Bonanza Creek Ranch, New Mexico, where Baldwin was preparing for a scene with his fellow cast members. Halyna Hutchins, the director of photography, was struck by the projectile and subsequently succumbed to her injuries, while director Joel Souza also suffered wounds but survived. The crew had been using what they believed were blank rounds for their scenes, but the presence of a live round led to the unnecessary tragedy.

In the days following the incident, investigations were launched to understand how a live round ended up in a prop gun. Set safety protocols and industry standards surrounding the use of firearms in film productions were called into question, as many industry leaders emphasized the need for stricter regulations to prevent such an occurrence from happening in the future.

Baldwin, who was visibly affected by the incident, expressed his condolences and stated that he would cooperate fully with any investigations. The event not only raised concerns about safety on film sets but also sparked discussions regarding the responsibilities of actors, producers, and armorers in ensuring a secure working environment during film productions.