Alec Baldwin's cell phone to be searched in Rust shooting investigation

Santa Fe, New Mexico - Authorities have now issued a search warrant for Alec Baldwin's mobile phone in the ongoing investigation into the death of Halyna Hutchins.

Alec Baldwin's cell phone, emails, and text messages will be searched as part of the investigation into the fatal shooting of Halyna Hutchins.
Alec Baldwin's cell phone, emails, and text messages will be searched as part of the investigation into the fatal shooting of Halyna Hutchins.  © IMAGO / ZUMA Wire

It is believed there may be evidence on the phone relevant to the case in which a prop gun went off, fatally injuring the cinematographer on the Rust film set in New Mexico in October.

Santa Fe Magistrates court issued a warrant, requested by the Sheriff's Department, for the phone to be seized and searched.

Court documents released on Thursday stated: "Affiant is requesting a warrant for the seizure and search of Alec Baldwin's cell phone to search for any evidence relating to the death investigation of Halyna Hutchins."

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"Affiant believes there may be evidence on the phone, due to individuals using cellular phones during and/or after the commission of crime(s)."

"Such information, if it exists, may be material and relevant to this investigation."

"Affiant was also made aware there were several emails and text messages sent and received regarding the movie production Rust in the course of interviews."

Director Joel Souza was also wounded in the shooting on the Bonanza Creek Ranch film set near Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Baldwin has said he did not know the gun contained a live round and that investigators must find out who put it in the weapon. He has been slapped with several lawsuits following the incident.

There have been claims of sabotage on the set, while Baldwin recently said he did not pull the trigger in what he called a "one-in-a-trillion" accident. Others among the film's crew have now backed up his sentiments in the still unclear situation.

The fatal incident has sparked a widespread debate in Hollywood about gun reform and weapons safety on movie sets.

Cover photo: IMAGO / ZUMA Wire

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