Alec Baldwin’s phone reportedly seized in search warrant amid Rust investigation

Police are reportedly seizing Alec Baldwin’s phone as they continue their investigation into the death of Halyna Hutchins on the set of Rust.

Police are reportedly seizing Alec Baldwin’s phone as they continue their investigation into the death of Halyna Hutchins on the set of Rust.

The Santa Fe Sheriff’s Department obtained new search warrant on Thursday, with the intention of going through Baldwin’s phone for any evidence relating to the shooting of Hutchins, who was the film’s cinematographer.

“Affiant is requesting a warrant for the seizure and search of Alec Baldwins’ cell phone to search for any evidence relating to the death investigation of Halyna Hutchins,” the affidavit, obtained by Fox News, said.

“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.”

Alec Baldwin on the set of Rust. Picture: Instagram

Reps for Baldwin did not immediately respond to Fox News’ request for comment.

Baldwin told police he had corresponded with armourer Hannah Gutierrez Reed via email discussing different types of guns to use during production. The actor had told police he requested a larger gun for filming, according to the search warrant.

Police found conversations regarding the Rust production on Hutchins’ phone dating back to July 14, 2021, as well as photos taken in the Santa Fe area dating to September 7, 2021.

“Affiant believes gathering information prior to the film start date of Rust is essential for a full investigation,” the affidavit said, adding that police requested Baldwin‘s phone but were told to get a search warrant.

Baldwin recently sat down for his first tell-all interview since the October 21 shooting.

The US actor described the moment the gun was discharged during the interview. “I let go of the hammer of the gun,” Baldwin told ABC‘s George Stephanopoulos. “And the gun goes off.”

Baldwin gave a tell-all interview on ABC News, saying he had "no idea" how a live bullet got onto the set of his film. Picture: ABC

Baldwin and Hutchins were setting up for a shot where the actor was supposed to draw the gun and point it at a camera.

While standing next to the camera, the cinematographer was “guiding” Baldwin on where to point the gun, he said.

“The gun wasn’t meant to be fired in that angle,” he confirmed.

Authorities have said Baldwin was told the gun was safe to handle but continue to investigate how a live round ended up in the weapon. Investigators have described “some complacency” in how weapons were handled on the Rust set.

They have said it is too soon to determine whether charges will be filed, amid lawsuits concerning liability in the fatal shooting.

-With AP

This story originally appeared on Fox News and was reproduced with permission