Alec Baldwin Sues 'Rust' Shooting Prosecutors Over Malicious Prosecution

Alec Baldwin has initiated legal proceedings against prosecutors pursuing charges in the death of Halyna Hutchins, the cinematographer for "Rust." The actor, 66, claims that special prosecutor Kari T. Morrissey and First Judicial District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies engaged in malicious prosecution and violated his civil rights.

The lawsuit, filed on Thursday, January 9, in federal court in New Mexico, accuses the prosecution team of intentionally hiding exculpatory evidence relevant to Baldwin's defense. It asserts that these officials aimed to convict Baldwin, disregarding both substantial evidence and legal standards. According to Baldwin's suit, the defendants aimed to scapegoat him for others' actions and decisions.

Baldwin's attorneys, Luke Nikas and Alex Spiro, emphasized in their statement to the L.A. Times the fundamental purpose of criminal prosecution. They stated, "Criminal prosecutions should seek truth and justice, not serve personal or political agendas or harass innocent people. Kari Morrissey and other defendants persistently violated this principle and Baldwin’s rights."

In response, Morrissey noted that her team learned of Baldwin's intention to file a civil lawsuit in October 2023. She expressed confidence in a future court appearance, stating, "We look forward to our day in court."

Baldwin was previously charged with involuntary manslaughter following the tragic shooting of Hutchins in October 2021. During filming, a prop gun discharged a live bullet, resulting in Hutchins' death and injuring director Joel Souza. Baldwin denied pulling the trigger and was indicted for involuntary manslaughter in January 2023, pleading not guilty in February. These charges were later dismissed in April 2023, but he faced a second indictment, which was scheduled for trial in July 2024.

The second case was dismissed by Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer last summer, who concurred with Baldwin's lawyers that vital evidence had not been disclosed. Sommer stated to the court, "There is no way for the court to right this wrong. The sanction of dismissal is the only warranted remedy."

In December 2024, Morrissey announced the dismissal of charges against Baldwin due to a lack of support from the district attorney's office. She remarked that external barriers hindered effective prosecution, compromising their ability to fully execute the law.

In a related case, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the film's armorer, was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in March 2024, receiving an 18-month prison sentence. Her appeal for a new trial was rejected in September 2024.

Earlier, SSP wrote that Heidi Montag shared heartbreak after her home was destroyed by Los Angeles fires.