Debra Messing defends Alec Baldwin after fatal shooting on Rust movie set: ‘A prop gun was handed to him’

Will & Grace actress Debra Messing has defended her friend Alec Baldwin (Picture: Getty Images)

Debra Messing has stepped in to support Alec Baldwin after he accidentally shot and killed colleague Halyna Hutchins on set of his new movie Rust. 

The 63-year-old actor fired off a gun on set of the western in New Mexico on Thursday. It hit cinematographer Hutchins, killing her at the age of 42, while the film’s director Joel Souza was left injured.

Conservative media personality Benny Johnson reacted to the news tweeting: ‘BREAKING: Alec Baldwin kills person with gun, criminal investigation underway. This is the accurate headline fyi.’ 

Baldwin was questioned by police in Sante Fe and released without charge. 

Debra, who is a longtime friend of the actor, defended him and responded: ‘It is absolutely NOT. A prop gun was handed to him . He used it in the scene. Then- a catastrophic event happened where Halnya Hutchins lost her life and Joel Souza was injured. 

‘I am praying for all of their families.’ 

The 53-year-old actress has worked with Baldwin several times in the past, including during his frequent guest appearances on Will & Grace. 

Authorities responded to an incident at Bonanza Creek at around 1:50pm on Thursday following 911 calls indicating someone had been shot on set.

According to People, Hutchins was airlifted to the University of New Mexico Hospital where she later died from her injuries.

Baldwin has not been charged following the incident (Picture: Getty Images)

Halyna Hutchins was 42 (Picture: Getty Images)

Rust actress Frances Fisher has confirmed that director Souza, 48, has been released from hospital. 

Production company Rust Movies Productions LLC addressed the incident in a statement, which said: ‘The entire cast and crew has been absolutely devastated by today’s tragedy, and we send our deepest condolences to Halyna’s family and loved ones.

‘We have halted production on the film for an undetermined period of time and are fully cooperating with the Santa Fe Police Department’s investigation.’ 

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A spokesperson from the Sante Fe Sheriff’s Department also said: ‘Mr Baldwin was questioned by investigators and released. No arrests or charges have been filed. 

‘This investigation remains open and active. No charges have been filed in regard to this incident. Witnesses continue to be interviewed by detectives.’

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