Alec Baldwin Sues Prosecutors and Investigators in Fatal Rust Shooting

Alec Baldwin Files Civil Lawsuit for Malicious Prosecution and Civil Rights Violations

Actor Alec Baldwin has filed a civil lawsuit against the special prosecutor, district attorney, and investigators involved in the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the Western movie Rust. The lawsuit, filed in Santa Fe state district court, alleges malicious prosecution, civil rights violations, and defamation.

Baldwin claims that prosecutors and investigators intentionally mishandled evidence and targeted him for professional or political gain. The lawsuit states that "Defendants sought at every turn to scapegoat Baldwin for the acts and omissions of others, regardless of the evidence or the law."

The lawsuit also alleges that prosecutors should not be afforded immunity in their official roles. Baldwin is seeking unspecified punitive damages, compensatory damages, attorneys' fees, and interest.

The shooting occurred in October 2021 during a rehearsal for the movie Rust. Baldwin, the lead actor and co-producer, was pointing a pistol at Hutchins when it discharged, killing her and wounding director Joel Souza. Baldwin has said he pulled back the hammer – but not the trigger – and the revolver fired.

The lawsuit comes after a judge dismissed a charge of involuntary manslaughter against Baldwin in July 2023. The state attorney general declined to pursue and appeal the dismissal on behalf of prosecutors, closing out the case in December 2023.

Separately, the shooting led to an involuntary manslaughter conviction at trial last year against movie weapons supervisor Hannah Gutierrez-Reed. She is serving out a maximum sentence of 1½ years at a state penitentiary.

The parents and younger sister of Hutchins have sued Baldwin and other producers of Rust in New Mexico state court. A settlement has been reached in a lawsuit by Hutchins widower and son.

This lawsuit adds to the ongoing legal fallout from the Rust shooting. It remains to be seen how the case will proceed and what the outcome will be.