Alec Baldwin's cell phone requested by new search warrant in 'Rust' shooting investigation

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Search warrant issued for Baldwin's cell phone

Fox News legal analyst Gregg Jarett joins ‘Hannity’ to discuss the latest in the Alec Baldwin fatal film shooting.

The Santa Fe Sheriff's Department is looking to seize Alec Baldwin's cell phone in a new search warrant it obtained Thursday. 

The sheriff's department wants to search Baldwin's phone for any evidence relating to the death of Halyna Hutchins.

"Affiant is requesting a warrant for the seizure and search of Alec Baldwins' [sic] cell phone to search for any evidence relating to the death investigation of Halyna Hutchins," the affidavit, obtained by Fox News Digital, 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."

HALYNA HUTCHINS WAS 18 INCHES AWAY FROM GUN ALEC BALDWIN WAS HOLDING, CREW MEMBER SAYS

The Santa Fe Sheriff's Department has obtained a search warrant for Alec Baldwin's cell phone. (Photo by Mark Sagliocco/Getty Images for National Geographic)

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

Baldwin told police he had corresponded with armorer 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.

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The police want to search the cell phone for any evidence that could relate to the death of Halyna Hutchins. (Sonia Moskowitz/Getty Images)

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

The 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."

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Alec Baldwin has claimed he did not pull the trigger of the gun he was holding when cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was fatally shot on the set of 'Rust.'  (Jeff Neira/ABC via Getty Images)

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.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.