An assistant director told Alec Baldwin that the prop gun was safe to use; newly filed court documents have revealed.

The 63-year old had been told by an assistant director that the weapon was a “cold gun.”

TMZ reports that according to a search warrant filed in a Santa Fe court, the assistant director didn’t know the gun was loaded with live rounds.

Cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was shot in her chest onset of the Western Rust. Director Joel Souza was left wounded when Baldwin fired the gun. The court documents also revealed that Souza was standing behind Hutchins.

An affidavit signed by Detective Joel Cano of the Santa Fe County sheriff’s office, as part of the police’s search of the movie set, revealed that Baldwin was handed one of three prop guns that the film’s armorer had set up outside on a cart.

The crew member shouted “Cold Gun” to indicate there was no danger as it was believed there were no live rounds.

However, when Baldwin fired the weapon, a projectile emerged from the barrel, striking Hutchins and injuring Souza.

Authorities also released the audio of the emergency call made by a crew member after the incident at the Bonanza Creek Ranch near Santa Fe.

“We need an ambulance at Bonanza Creek Ranch right now,” the caller, Mamie Mitchell, believed to be the film’s script supervisor, told dispatchers.

Alec Baldwin released an official statement in the early hours of Friday. The actor paid tribute to both Hutchins and Souza.

“There are no words to convey my shock and sadness regarding the tragic accident that took the life of Halyna Hutchins, a wife, mother and deeply admired colleague of ours. I’m fully cooperating with the police investigation,” Baldwin wrote on Twitter.

“My heart is broken for her husband, their son, and all who knew and loved Halyna.”

The warrant was obtained on Friday, allowing New Mexico investigators to document the scene at the ranch where the shooting occurred.

It also noted that the weapon and Baldwin’s blood-stained film costume were taken away as evidence.

Investigators also took other prop guns and ammunition that were being used as part of the film.

While no immediate charges have been filed, sheriff’s spokesman Juan Rios said Baldwin could travel.

“He’s a free man,” Mr Rios said.

He added: “Regarding the projectile, a focus of the investigation is what type it was and how did it get there.”

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