Jensen Ackles explains gun training on Rust movie set as Alec Baldwin fatally shoots woman

Jensen Ackles began filming Rust in September (Picture: FilmMagic)

Jensen Ackles was filmed explaining his gun training on set of movie Rust, just weeks before his co-star Alec Baldwin fatally shot a woman. 

Baldwin, 63, discharged a prop gun that hit the film’s cinematographer, accidentally killing her, while also injuring its director Joel Souza on Thursday. 

In September, Jensen – who stars in the 19th century western – appeared at the SNP Denver 2021 convention where he explained to the audience about how he chose his gun for the movie. 

He said: ‘I’ve got a 6am call tomorrow to have a big shoot-out,’ before pretending to fire a gun. 

The actor continued: ‘They had me pick my gun. They were like, “Alright, what gun would you like?” I was like, “I don’t know”, and the armourer was like, “Do you have gun experience?” I was like, “A little”, she was like, “This is how you load it. This is how you load it, check it’s safe. Do you want it hip drawn or cross drawn?” I was like “cross drawn, that sounds fun”.’ 

‘So she’s like, I’ll just put some blanks in there and just fire a couple of rounds towards the hill… I walk out and she’s like, “Just make sure you pull the hammer all the way back and aim at your target”, I was like alright I got it,’ he said before pretending to shoot expertly and reholstering his gun. 

Supernatural actor Jensen, 43, was announced as a cast member just this week. 

He shared an Instagram photo showing the cast riding horses with cameras filming. 

Jensen wrote in the caption: ‘Been out on the range for the last couple of weeks. Dream come true. Finally my bow legs are in their element. Excited to share more when I can. #RustWestern.’ 

This Is Us actor Justin Hartley commented: ‘Love this for you, brother!’ 

Production on Rust, which also stars Titanic actress Frances Fisher and Vikings actor Travis Fimmel, has been suspended. 

The western follows 13-year-old boy, Lucas (Brady Noon), who is left to fend for himself and his younger brother following the death of their parents in 1880’s Kansas. 

The boy goes on the run with his long estranged grandfather, infamous Western outlaw Harland Rust (Baldwin), after he’s sentenced to hang for the accidental killing of a local rancher. However, their desperation to escape is heightened as Harland already has a bounty on his head. 

Together, the two fugitives must outrun the legendary US Marshal Wood Helm (Jensen Ackles) and bounty-hunter Fenton ‘Preacher’ Lang (Travis Fimmel) who are hot on their tail.

Alec Baldwin discharged the gun and was later questioned by police (Picture: Mark Sagliocco/Getty Images for National Geographic)

Halyna Hutchins was killed on set aged 42 (Picture: Getty Images)

Deeply buried secrets rise from the ashes and an unexpected familial bond begins to form as the mismatched duo tries to survive the merciless American Frontier.

A rep for Rust Movies Productions LLC 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.’ 

They added: ‘We will be providing counseling services to everyone connected to the film as we work to process this awful event.’ 

Authorities responded to an incident on 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.

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A spokesperson for Baldwin said there was an accident involving the misfire of a prop gun with blanks.

An official from the Santa Fe Sheriff’s Department said that 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,’ he added.

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