SANTA FE, N.M. (FN) — Actor Alec Baldwin’s lawsuit alleging malicious prosecution in the fatal 2021 shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the Western film “Rust” has been reinstated and transferred to federal court, intensifying a legal saga that spans criminal charges, civil suits, and constitutional claims.
Baldwin filed the lawsuit in January in New Mexico state court, asserting civil rights violations and seeking damages after prosecutors dropped an involuntary manslaughter charge against him. His attorneys allege that law enforcement officials mishandled and concealed key evidence, including ammunition that surfaced months before trial but was not disclosed to the defense.
Defendants in the case — including special prosecutor Kari Morrissey, Santa Fe District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies, three investigators from the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office, and the county board of commissioners — petitioned to move the case to federal court, citing Baldwin’s federal civil rights claims and out-of-state residency.
The lawsuit accuses the defendants of malicious prosecution, defamation, abuse of process, and violations of Baldwin’s Fourth and Fourteenth Amendment rights. Baldwin’s legal team argues that he was targeted for political and professional gain, and that the prosecution relied on incomplete or misleading evidence.
Baldwin, who served as lead actor and co-producer on “Rust,” was rehearsing a scene in October 2021 when a revolver discharged, killing Hutchins and injuring director Joel Souza. Baldwin has maintained that he pulled back the hammer but did not pull the trigger.
His July 2024 trial was abruptly halted after a man delivered ammunition to the sheriff’s office, claiming it could be linked to the shooting. Prosecutors dismissed the ammo as irrelevant, but Baldwin’s attorneys said it was buried in a separate case file. A judge dismissed the manslaughter charge and denied a motion to reconsider.
Weapons supervisor Hannah Gutierrez-Reed was convicted of involuntary manslaughter and served a 1.5-year prison sentence. She has filed an appeal. Assistant director David Halls pleaded no contest to unsafe firearm handling and received six months’ probation.
In 2022, Baldwin and other “Rust” producers reached a settlement in a wrongful-death lawsuit filed by Hutchins’ widower and their son. However, Hutchins’ parents and younger sister are still pursuing damages in New Mexico civil court, which could lead to Baldwin’s deposition under oath in November.
Legal experts say the move to federal court could reshape the case. Federal courts often examine civil rights claims with heightened scrutiny, especially when they involve prosecutorial conduct and high-profile defendants.
Government officials have acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations, stating that any claims of misconduct must be reviewed under the full scope of the law.
Public reaction remains divided. Some believe Baldwin was wrongfully charged and deserves justice, while others question whether celebrity status has influenced the legal process.
Baldwin’s lawsuit was initially dismissed in July due to inactivity but reinstated in September. His attorneys have reportedly approached state and county officials about the possibility of a settlement.
Attorneys for Baldwin and the prosecution have not publicly commented on the latest developments.
