'Rust' is pausing production amid the investigation into prop-gun shooting that killed cinematographer

• The production of "Rust" is being halted while police investigate last week's prop-gun shooting.
• Cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was killed and director Joel Souza was injured in the incident.

Producers of the film "Rust" told crew members on Sunday night that they are pausing the production of the film amid a police investigation into the prop-gun shooting on set that killed the movie's cinematographer.

The incident happened on Thursday, when actor Alec Baldwin fired a prop gun during rehearsal on set near Santa Fe, New Mexico, killing cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and injuring director Joel Souza.

"As we go through this crisis, we have made the decision to wrap the set at least until the investigations are complete," producers said in an email to crew members seen by the Los Angeles Times.

"Although our hearts are broken, and it is hard to see beyond the horizon, this is, at the moment, a pause rather than an end. The spirit that brought us all to this special place remains."

The shooting happened on the 12th day of a 21-day film shoot, the LA Times reported.

The Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office, New Mexico's Occupational Health and Safety Bureau, and the film's production firm are all investigating what happened when the shooting occurred.

According to an affidavit seen by Insider, Baldwin was practicing a cross draw during a rehearsal on set at Bonanza Creek Ranch, when the gun discharged.

The affidavit said an assistant director on set had said it was a "cold gun," meaning it wasn't loaded with any blanks or ammunition, when he handed the prop to Baldwin.