Alec Baldwin Files Lawsuit for Malicious Prosecution Following Dismissal of Fatal ‘Rust’ Set Shooting Case

SANTA FE, N.M.—Actor Alec Baldwin has initiated a civil lawsuit against malicious prosecution and civil rights violations related to the tragic shooting that claimed the life of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the Western film “Rust.”

The lawsuit was submitted on Thursday in state district court in Santa Fe, where, in July, a judge had dismissed a charge of involuntary manslaughter against Baldwin concerning Hutchins’ death.

In addition, Baldwin claims defamation in his suit, asserting that prosecutors and investigators deliberately mishandled evidence in their pursuit of the case.

The defendants mentioned in the lawsuit include special prosecutor Kari Morrissey and Santa Fe District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies, along with three investigators from the Santa Fe County sheriff’s office and members of the county board of commissioners.

According to the lawsuit, “Defendants sought at every turn to scapegoat Baldwin for the acts and omissions of others, regardless of the evidence or the law.” The suit further alleges that prosecutors and investigators focused on Baldwin for their own professional or political benefits.

Hutchins succumbed to her injuries shortly after being shot during a rehearsal for “Rust” in October 2021 at a ranch located on the outskirts of Santa Fe, New Mexico.

As the lead actor and co-producer, Baldwin was aiming a pistol at Hutchins when it discharged, resulting in Hutchins’ death and injuring director Joel Souza. Baldwin has claimed he pulled back the hammer but did not pull the trigger, which caused the revolver to fire.

The situation intensified when it was revealed that ammunition was brought into the Santa Fe County sheriff’s office in March by an individual who suggested it could be linked to Hutchins’ death. Prosecutors found the ammo unrelated, while Baldwin’s legal team argued that the evidence was neglected and placed in a different case folder, leading to a successful motion for dismissal.

Morrissey mentioned that she had become aware more than a year prior that Baldwin was contemplating a lawsuit.

“In October 2023 the prosecution team became aware that Mr. Baldwin intended to file a retaliatory civil lawsuit,” she stated in a message to The Associated Press on Thursday. “We look forward to our day in court.”

Carmack-Altwies and the Santa Fe sheriff’s office have not yet responded to requests for comments. Baldwin’s lawsuit contends that prosecutors should not receive immunity in their official capacities.

The state attorney general decided not to appeal the dismissal on behalf of the prosecutors, effectively closing the case in December.

In a separate matter, the incident led to a conviction for involuntary manslaughter against movie weapons supervisor Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, who was sentenced to a maximum of 1 1/2 years in state prison.

Baldwin’s tort claim also targets the special prosecutor who was initially responsible for the investigation, while he seeks unspecified punitive damages, compensatory damages, attorneys’ fees, and interest.

This lawsuit adds to a complex landscape of post-trial litigation, even as Baldwin has resumed comedic appearances on “Saturday Night Live” and is planning a family reality TV series with his wife Hilaria and their seven children.

The parents and younger sister of Hutchins have also filed a lawsuit against Baldwin and other producers of “Rust” in New Mexico state court, while a settlement has been reached in a lawsuit brought by Hutchins’ widower and son.

By Morgan Lee