Actor Alec Baldwin appears in court on July 12, 2024, at the Santa Fe County District Court in Santa Fe, New Mexico. AP
Actor Alec Baldwin’s lawsuit claiming malicious prosecution in the 2021 Rust movie shooting has been moved to U.S. federal court. The case, which accuses prosecutors and law enforcement of violating Baldwin’s civil rights, comes after an earlier involuntary manslaughter charge against him was dismissed earlier this year.
Baldwin first filed the lawsuit in January in New Mexico state court, alleging that investigators and prosecutors mishandled evidence. On Monday, the defendants — special prosecutor Kari Morrissey, District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies, and three Santa Fe County sheriff’s investigators, along with the county’s board of commissioners — filed a petition to transfer the case to federal court.
The change marks the latest chapter in Baldwin’s long legal battle with New Mexico authorities following the tragic death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.
The Fatal Shooting on Set
The tragedy occurred in October 2021, during a rehearsal for the Western film Rust. Baldwin, who served as both lead actor and co-producer, was pointing a revolver at Hutchins when the weapon discharged. The shot killed Hutchins and injured the film’s director, Joel Souza.
Baldwin has maintained that he pulled back the hammer of the revolver but did not pull the trigger. The case sparked global headlines and prompted questions about firearm safety on film sets.
During Baldwin’s trial in July, the case took a dramatic turn when a man brought ammunition to the sheriff’s office, claiming it might be linked to the shooting. Prosecutors dismissed the evidence as irrelevant, but Baldwin’s lawyers argued that investigators hid key information.
A judge later agreed with Baldwin’s defence and dismissed the charge of involuntary manslaughter. Prosecutors tried to reopen the case, but the court rejected the request.
Ongoing Legal Battles
While Baldwin’s criminal case ended, several related lawsuits continue. Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the film’s weapons supervisor, recently completed a 1.5-year prison sentence after being convicted of involuntary manslaughter in Hutchins’ death. She has appealed the ruling.
Assistant director David Halls pleaded no contest to unsafe firearm handling and received six months of probation.
In 2022, Baldwin and the Rust production team reached a wrongful-death settlement with Hutchins’ widower, Matthew Hutchins, and their son. However, Hutchins’ parents and younger sister are still pursuing separate civil claims for damages.
Court filings suggest Baldwin could face a deposition under oath in November as part of that case.
Baldwin’s Malicious Prosecution Claim
In his civil suit, Baldwin accuses prosecutors and investigators of defamation and misuse of power, claiming they targeted him for political and professional reasons.
His lawyers argue that authorities “knowingly withheld evidence” and unfairly tried to make him the face of the tragedy. The defendants counter that the matter should be resolved under federal constitutional law.
The lawsuit was dismissed in July due to inactivity but reinstated in September at Baldwin’s request. His legal team has since discussed the possibility of a settlement with state and county officials.
Both prosecutors and Baldwin’s representatives declined to comment on the latest court developments.
