Gun not thoroughly checked before Alec Baldwin fired fatal shot

Dave Halls, the film's assistant director, handed the gun to Baldwin, telling the actor it was "cold" or safe

New details about the incident emerged on Wednesday during a news conference and in an affidavit filed by the sheriff's department. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

A .45-caliber Colt revolver used on the set of the film "Rust" was not thoroughly checked before being given to actor Alec Baldwin, who fired a live lead bullet in an accidental fatal shooting last week in New Mexico, according to officials and a new court filing.

New details about the incident emerged on Wednesday during a news conference by Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza and District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies and in an affidavit filed by the sheriff's department.