Alec Baldwin sues after ‘Rust’ shooting case dismissed

SANTA FE, N.M. –

Actor Alec Baldwin has taken legal action by filing a civil lawsuit for malicious prosecution and civil rights violations following the tragic shooting incident that took the life of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the movie “Rust.”

The lawsuit was officially submitted on Thursday at the state district court in Santa Fe, where a previous charge of involuntary manslaughter against Baldwin was dismissed by a judge in July.

In addition to the aforementioned claims, Baldwin also asserts defamation in the lawsuit, citing intentional mishandling of evidence by prosecutors and investigators during the course of their investigation.

The defendants listed in the lawsuit include special prosecutor Kari Morrissey, Santa Fe District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies, and investigators from the Santa Fe County sheriff’s office.

“Defendants consistently attempted to shift blame onto Baldwin for the actions of others, disregarding both the evidence and the law,” the lawsuit alleges.

Morrissey and Carmack-Altwies have yet to provide a response to requests for comment regarding the lawsuit.

The tragic incident occurred in October 2021 during a rehearsal for the film “Rust” at a ranch located on the outskirts of Santa Fe, New Mexico, resulting in the untimely death of Hutchins and injuries to director Joel Souza.

Baldwin, who served as the lead actor and co-producer, was handling a prop gun pointed at Hutchins when it discharged, leading to her tragic passing and Souza’s injuries. Baldwin maintains that he did not pull the trigger, only the hammer, causing the firearm to discharge unintentionally.