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‘Material And Relevant’: Search Warrant Issued For Alec Baldwin’s Phone Over Fatal ‘Rust’ Shooting

   DailyWire.com
NEW YORK, NY - JULY 27: Actor Alec Baldwin attends the "Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation" New York premiere at Times Square on July 27, 2015 in New York City. (Photo by Jim Spellman/WireImage)
Jim Spellman/WireImage/Getty Images

A search warrant for Alec Baldwin’s cellphone has been issued by authorities in New Mexico in connection to the actor killing cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and wounding director Joel Souza in an apparent gun incident in October on the set of “Rust.”

“The cellphone is believed to be in the actor’s possession, according to the warrant, and authorities want to look at text messages sent from the presumed iPhone by Baldwin,” a report from ABC News detailed. “Investigators are also seeking to seize photos and videos, emails, internet browser histories, GPS data and more, according to the warrant.”

Detective Alexandra Hancock in an affidavit said Baldwin’s attorney directed her to “acquire a warrant” when she asked for Baldwin’s phone.

The report added that Detective Hancock “said she believes there may be information on the phone ‘material and relevant to this investigation,’ and that gathering information prior to the film’s production ‘is essential for a full investigation,’ the affidavit stated.”

Baldwin in a past interview downplayed the likelihood that he’ll be charged in the fatal incident, citing people in the know. “No charges have been filed, though none have been ruled out, either,” ABC noted.

Back in October, a person who allegedly witnessed the fatal incident came forward to detail what happened. According to the witness, it was one bullet, potentially real ammunition, that discharged from the gun during the accident.

“[T]he bullet went straight through the body of DP Halyna Hutchins and into the clavicle of the film’s director Joel Souza,” said a report from Showbiz411. “Very quickly the set was locked down. Ambulance and helicopters arrived. Hutchins and Souza were sent straight to the hospital. Hutchins died en route in a helicopter.”

Baldwin was apparently on the ground, “in shock but composed.”

The witness said the 63-year-old actor repeatedly asked why he was given a “hot gun.” As noted by the outlet, a “hot gun” is a gun with real ammunition.

“In all my years, I’ve never been handed a hot gun,” Baldwin reportedly said.

Before knowing the fate of the victims, the actor was taken to the hospital. “He had no idea how badly they were hurt or Halyna was dead,” the witness said.

“They had safety meetings every day but it was a Tier I movie, so they probably didn’t have more than 1 prop person,” the witness added. “Tier 1” means the film has a budget for under $6 million.

“Whatever happened on the set, Alec Baldwin certainly didn’t intend for this outcome,” the report said, adding that “Rust” is likely done as a film, according to sources.

“Sources say the production has been halted but as with the movie about Gregg Allman’s life, in which a crew member was killed because of negligence, lawsuits will now override any chance to that movie being finished.”

Related: Legal Expert Weighs In On Alec Baldwin Shooting Incident; Discusses Potential Prison Time, Co-Producer Role

Related: Union Says Alec Baldwin Shot ‘Live Round’ In On-Set Fatal Incident; Report Notes ‘Clarity’ Needed

Related: Report: Eyewitness Details Alec Baldwin Shooting Incident, Says Actor Asked Why He Was Given A ‘Hot Gun’

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