Alec Baldwin Sues for Malicious Prosecution and Civil Rights Violations Over 'Rust' Fatal Shooting Case

Actor Alec Baldwin has filed a civil lawsuit alleging malicious prosecution and civil rights violations related to the fatal 2021 shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the film 'Rust.'

The lawsuit, filed Thursday in Santa Fe state district court, follows the dismissal of involuntary manslaughter charges against Baldwin in July 2024.

Baldwin, 66, had been charged after a prop gun he was holding discharged during a rehearsal, killing Hutchins and injuring director Joel Souza. Prosecutors dropped the case last year after it was dismissed for "egregious discovery violations constituting misconduct."

In the new civil suit, Baldwin claims his prosecution was unjust and violated his constitutional rights, AP reported.

The civil suit comes weeks after special prosecutor Kari Morrissey officially withdrew an appeal aimed at reinstating the charges against Baldwin.

"This has always been about seeking justice for Halyna Hutchins," Morrissey said. "We regret that Mr. Baldwin will not be held accountable for the role he played in the death of Halyna Hutchins."

While Baldwin's charges were dismissed, 'Rust' armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed was convicted of involuntary manslaughter and sentenced to 18 months in prison.

Meanwhile, Rust premiered in November 2024 at the Energa Camerimage International Film Festival in Poland, marking the film's completion three years after the tragedy. The screening was followed by a panel discussion focusing on Hutchins' artistic legacy and the renewed focus on set safety.