“Rust” Shooting Case: Alec Baldwin‘s Malicious Prosecution Lawsuit Moves to Federal Court
Four years after the accidental shooting on the set of “Rust,” Alec Baldwin’s lawsuit alleging malicious prosecution has been transferred to federal court. The move comes amidst a continuing legal saga following the October 2021 death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.
Baldwin, 67, who starred in and produced the western film, initially faced a felony involuntary manslaughter charge related to the incident. However, that charge was dismissed in July 2024 during his trial after the judge determined prosecutors had withheld perhaps beneficial evidence from the defense.
Six months after the charge dismissal, Baldwin filed a lawsuit against New Mexico District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies, special prosecutor Kari T. Morrissey, and Santa Fe County sheriff’s deputies involved in the examination. The suit alleges Baldwin was unfairly targeted as a “celebrity scapegoat” due to public and media pressure surrounding the high-profile case.
The defendants have denied the allegations.
Originally filed in New Mexico state court in Santa Fe, the case was moved to federal court this week by the defense team. Attorney Luis Robles, representing the defendants, stated the transfer was prompted by baldwin’s inclusion of federal civil rights claims within the lawsuit, and also the actor’s non-residency in New Mexico.
Baldwin’s legal team could challenge the move and request the case be returned to state court, but were not promptly available for comment on Wednesday.
The lawsuit stems from accusations made by Baldwin’s attorneys during his trial that law enforcement and prosecutors mishandled the investigation. They alleged evidence – specifically a batch of bullets potentially linked to the fatal shot – was concealed. The defense attempted to shift focus from whether Baldwin pulled the trigger to the origin of the live round used in the prop firearm.
A previous dismissal of Baldwin’s malicious prosecution claims in July, due to a 90-day period of inactivity, was later overturned by a New Mexico judge following a petition from Baldwin’s legal team, ultimately leading to the current transfer to federal court.
