Malicious prosecution lawsuit by Alec Baldwin in 'Rust' shooting moves
to federal court
[October 23, 2025]
By MORGAN LEE
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A lawsuit by actor Alec Baldwin alleging malicious
prosecution in the 2021 fatal shooting of a cinematographer on the set
of the Western movie “Rust” has been reinstated and moved to federal
court by the defendants.
Baldwin initially filed the lawsuit in state court in January, claiming
civil rights violations and seeking damages after a charge of
involuntary manslaughter against the actor was dismissed at trial in
2024 on allegations that police and prosecutors withheld evidence from
the defense.
A petition to move the malicious prosecution case to federal court was
filed Monday by the defendants — 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 the county
board of commissioners.
The change of court venue raises the stakes in Baldwin's yearslong
conflict with New Mexico authorities. Here are some things to know.
Cinematographer's death
Baldwin, the lead actor and co-producer for “Rust,” was pointing a gun
at cinematographer Halyna Hutchins during a rehearsal on a movie set
outside Santa Fe in October 2021 when the revolver went off, killing
Hutchins and wounding director Joel Souza.
Baldwin has said he pulled back the hammer — but not the trigger — and
the revolver fired.
Few people testified at Baldwin's July trial before it was upended by
revelations that ammunition was brought into the Santa Fe County
sheriff’s office in March 2024 by a man who said it could be related to
Hutchins’ killing.
Prosecutors said they deemed the ammo unrelated and unimportant, while
Baldwin’s lawyers say investigators “buried” the evidence in a separate
case file and filed a successful motion to dismiss. A judge threw out
the charge against Baldwin and later refused a request from prosecutors
to reconsider.
[to top of second column]
|
Actor Alec Baldwin attends his trial on involuntary
manslaughter for the 2021 fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna
Hutchins during filming of the Western movie "Rust," July 12, 2024,
at Santa Fe County District Court in Santa Fe, N.M. (Ramsay de
Give/Pool Photo via AP, File)
 Multiple lawsuits
“Rust” movie weapons supervisor Hannah Gutierrez-Reed has fulfilled
a 1.5 year prison sentence on an involuntary manslaughter conviction
in Hutchins’ death in a jury trial. An appeal of the conviction to a
higher court has been initiated.
“Rust” assistant director David Halls pleaded no contest to unsafe
handling of a firearm and was sentenced to six months of probation.
A settlement agreement was reached in 2022 in a wrongful-death
lawsuit against Baldwin and other “Rust” producers by Matthew
Hutchins, widower of Halyna Hutchins, and their son.
But the parents and younger sister of Hutchins are still pursuing
damages and compensation from Baldwin and “Rust” producers in New
Mexico civil court. Those claims could result in a deposition by
Baldwin under oath in November, according to recent court documents.
Baldwin's tort claim
The allegations in Baldwin’s tort claim include defamation, with his
attorneys saying that prosecutors and investigators targeted the
actor and co-producer for professional or political gain.
Defendants say it is a matter for federal authorities to resolve
under terms of the Constitution and other U.S. laws.
Baldwin's lawsuit for damages initially lingered with little
activity. It was dismissed in July, only to be reinstated in
September at Baldwin's request. Attorneys for Baldwin say they have
approached state and county officials about the prospects for a
settlement.
Prosecutors and an attorney for Baldwin did not immediately respond
to requests Wednesday for comment.
All contents © copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved |
