By Lisa Richwine

LOS ANGELES (Reuters), A lawyer for Alec Baldwin suggested Wednesday that someone intentionally put a live bullet into his gun after he killed a cinematographer.

Jason Bowles stated that his client Hannah Gutierrez had taken ammunition out of a box she thought contained only dummy round that could not fire. It was possible, he said, that real bullets were intentionally placed in the box, similar to those found in dummies.

Bowles told ABC’s Good Morning America that “We are afraid that this could have been what occurred here, that somebody wanted to sabotage the set with a living round intentionally placed into a container of dummies.”

He said, “We are not saying that anyone intended there would be tragedy of murder,” but that they did want to create a safety issue on the set. We believe that’s exactly what happened.”

Rust Movie Productions spokeswoman did not respond to Bowles remarks. According to the company, it’s investigating and has not received any complaints regarding safety at the Santa Fe set.

Authorities in the area are currently investigating and have not filed any charges against those involved.

Police said that Halyna Houtchins, a cinematographer was shot and killed by a gun Baldwin held. Baldwin was told by Dave Halls, assistant director of the film, that the gun is “cold”. This industry term means it’s safe to use.

Bowles stated that Gutierrez checked the gun prior to giving it back to Halls. Halls was shown each round and she turned the cylinder. He believed they were six fake rounds. Halls brought the gun into Baldwin’s rehearsal space.

Camera operators quit filming before the shoot to protest long working hours and poor conditions. Santa Fe authorities have confirmed that they were not allowed back on set.

Bowles was asked who would deliberately place live ammunition with dummy round rounds on NBC’s Today. He said that he thinks it might be someone trying to “prove a point”, or simply say they are unhappy.

He stated, “And it is known that some people have already taken the set off the following day,”

Baldwin, who was also a producer on the film, has said he is heartbroken and is cooperating with authorities https://www.reuters.com/world/us/alec-baldwin-calls-movie-shooting-death-one-trillion-episode-2021-10-30. On Tuesday, he shared a message on social media https://www.reuters.com/article/us-film-rust-shooting/alec-baldwin-posts-crew-member-comments-disputing-chaotic-movie-set-idUSKBN2HO01F from a crew member who disputed reports of chaos and a lax attitude toward safety on the set.

Halls’ attorney did not respond immediately to Wednesday’s request for comment.