Alec Baldwin 'Rust' Shooting Case: FBI Says Gun Used in Film Set Could Not Have Been Fired Without Pulling the Trigger
The FBI has released new details regarding Alec Baldwin's "Rust" shooting incident that killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on their film set.
In its forensic report obtained by ABC News Friday, the FBI said that accidental discharge testing conducted by the agency determined that the gun involved in the fatal shooting could not have been fired without pulling the trigger.
With the hammer in the quarter- and half-cock positions, the report noted that the .45 Colt (.45 Long Colt) caliber F.lli Pietta single-action revolver used in the shooting could not be made to fire without a pull of the trigger.
The FBI report also said the same thing would happen if the hammer was fully cocked while the internal working components were intact and functional.
However, the report noted that with the hammer de-cocked on a loaded chamber, the firearm was able to detonate a primer without pulling the trigger when the hammer was struck directly. The FBI said this was normal for this type of revolver.
FBI examiners also discovered an internal gun malfunction during testing at the fully-cocked position, noting that portions of the trigger sear and cylinder stop fractured while the hammer was struck.
The report also cited the limitations of the forensics testing, saying it may "not be possible to recreate or duplicate all of the circumstances which led to the discharge of a firearm without a pull of the trigger."
Alec Baldwin's Attorney on FBI Investigation
In an email to CNN, Alec Baldwin's attorney, Luke Nikas, said on Sunday that the FBI investigation "is being misconstrued."
Nikas noted that the gun fired in testing only one time, without having to pull the trigger when the hammer was pulled back, and the firearm "broke in two different places."
The lawyer went on to say that the FBI was not able to fire the gun in any previous test, even when pulling the trigger because the firearm "was in such poor condition."
The lawyer of Hannah Gutierrez Reed, who served as the armorer and props assistant on the "Rust" film, also commented on the FBI report, saying that Alec Baldwin had to pull the trigger to fire the revolver and that his 24-year-old client was being used as a "scapegoat."
Alec Baldwin Claims He 'Didn't Pull the Trigger' on 'Rust' Movie Set Where Halyna Hutchins Died
In December, Alec Baldwin claimed that he "did not pull the trigger" on the "Rust" film set where Halyna Hutchins tragically died.
Baldwin made his comments during an interview with ABC News with George Stephanopoulos, claiming that he did not discharge the bullet that hit and killed an individual on their movie set.
In the interview, Stephanopoulos pressed the actor, saying it was not in the script for the trigger to be pulled.
"Well, the trigger wasn't pulled. I did not pull the trigger," the actor said. The host then repeated his question, but Baldwin denied pulling the trigger on the movie set.
"No, no, no, no... I would never point a gun at anyone and pull the trigger at them," Baldwin added.
Halyna Hutchins died on October 21 after the actor discharged a prop gun on the "Rust" movie set in New Mexico. Director Joel Souza was also injured and hospitalized, but he survived.
Alec Baldwin pinned the blame on having a live bullet in his gun.
"I have no idea how it happened... Someone put a live bullet in a gun, a bullet that wasn't even supposed to be on the property," the actor said.
No one has yet to be arrested or charged as the investigation continues on how the tragic shooting occurred.
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This article is owned by Latin Post.
Written by: Joshua Summers
WATCH: Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office Gives Update on 'Rust' Shooting Investigation - From KRQE
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