Alec Baldwin’s Misconduct Lawsuit Dismissed by New Mexico Judge
On Wednesday, a New Mexico judge officially dismissed Alec Baldwin’s misconduct lawsuit against state authorities due to a lack of action from Baldwin’s legal team. The suit, a 73-page complaint filed in January, accused prosecutor Kari Morrissey and others of infringing on Baldwin’s rights in connection with the tragic shooting of "Rust" cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.
Since filing the suit, Baldwin’s attorneys have not taken any steps to advance the case, including failing to serve the defendants with necessary notifications. Judge Casey Fitch dismissed the case without prejudice, allowing for the possibility of reinstatement if Baldwin chooses to pursue it again in the future.
Baldwin’s lawyer, Luke Nikas, expressed optimism about the situation, stating, “We have been in good faith discussions with the parties to the lawsuit and will be refiling promptly if those discussions are not favorably resolved.”
According to New Mexico law, a case may be dismissed for lack of prosecution if no action is taken within a six-month period. Baldwin’s legal troubles extend beyond this civil suit; he faced charges of involuntary manslaughter in July 2024. Prosecutors claimed Baldwin exhibited criminal negligence by pointing a gun at Hutchins and firing it during a scene preparation, thereby violating established safety protocols on set.
Baldwin’s defense countered that he had no way of knowing the gun was loaded, asserting that ensuring the weapon’s safety was not his responsibility. The criminal proceedings were abruptly halted three days into the trial after Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer determined that Morrissey had improperly withheld evidence essential to the defense.
Although the District Attorney’s office sought to appeal the dismissal, they encountered pushback from the state attorney general, who needed to support the case’s reinstatement. Ultimately, the District Attorney’s office decided to drop the appeal in December.
Meanwhile, Hannah Gutierrez Reed, the film’s armorer, was released from prison in May after serving 14 months. Several civil lawsuits remain unresolved, including actions filed by Hutchins’ widower and her parents.
Stay updated on this evolving story as Baldwin navigates the complexities of the legal landscape surrounding the "Rust" shooting incident.
