By Lisa Richwine

SANTA FE N.M. (Reuters – Alec Baldwin is seen visiting the relatives of the Cinematographer he inadvertently killed while filming his movie. This comes after more details emerged Sunday regarding troubling techniques during filming Western “Rust”.

Baldwin, distraught, was photographed in front of a Santa Fe hotel on Saturday talking and embracing Matt Hutchins (the husband and wife of Halyna Hutchins) and their nine year-old son.

Baldwin, 63 years old, said on Friday that he was heartbroken and shocked by Hutchins’ death. According to court papers, the 42-year old was shot and killed by Baldwin’s prop gun that contained a live round. He was handed it and instructed not to load it.

In a statement read to a candlelight vigil https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/director-gutted-by-death-cinematographer-accidental-shooting-2021-10-23 on Saturday, Hutchins called his wife’s death “an enormous loss.”

As the investigation continues, no charges have been filed against anyone in relation to the tragic incident at Bonanza Canyon (NYSE) Ranch near Santa Fe.

Multiple media outlets and social media accounts have expressed concern about safety procedures on set for the low-budget film and described several cameras operators and assistants walking out of their offices hours prior to the accident.

One of the most disturbing aspects is that TMZ.com, citing unidentified sources, reported that Baldwin was given the gun for practice shooting real bullets off-set.

Reuters couldn’t verify the report. Santa Fe Police did not respond Sunday to queries.

Crew members also raised concerns about other prop gun incidents. According to Los Angeles Times reports that Baldwin’s stunt double fired 2 rounds out of a prop gun more than a week after being informed it was cold. This industry term means the weapon cannot be loaded with ammunition.

Rust Movie Productions claimed last week they had not been made aware that there were any safety concerns on the set. However, an internal audit of their procedures will take place while production is stopped.

According to court records, Baldwin received the prop gun from Dave Halls, an assistant director who had more than 20 year’s experience in the field.

Aaron B. Koontz (film producer) said that Halls had been a great manager. He worked on “Rust” with Halls in two other movies.

Koontz stated that Dave is very efficient. He’s good at maintaining a pace and moving at the speed you need to get your day done.

Maggie Goll (special effects technician) was a divergent view. She worked alongside Halls in 2017 Hulu series, “Into the Dark.”

Goll stated that he did not create a safe work environment. Safety meetings did not exist because sets were allowed to get more claustrophobic. There were no fire lanes or exits that were established, and there were few.

On Sunday, Halls didn’t respond to our requests for comment. Hannah Gutierrez (the movie’s chief armorer) is also part of the probe. Her comments could not be obtained.

On Saturday, around 200 people participated in the Albuquerque vigil to Hutchins. Although the organizers stressed the fact that this event was intended to remember Hutchins, and not her death, there were some who held signs saying “Safety on Set.”

The Los Angeles region will host a second vigil on Sunday.