Judge Dismisses Alec Baldwin Civil Rights Suit Over Rust Prosecution
A federal judge dismissed Alec Baldwin's civil rights lawsuit against Santa Fe officials, ruling special prosecutor Kari Morrissey has absolute immunity.
A U.S. District Judge on Wednesday dismissed Alec Baldwin's civil rights lawsuit against Santa Fe officials, ruling that special prosecutor Kari Morrissey is protected by absolute prosecutorial immunity.
The court found that the alleged misconduct fell within the scope of the prosecutors' duties, foreclosing Baldwin's claims.
The lawsuit stemmed from Baldwin's prosecution in the 2021 fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the film Rust. In October 2025, Baldwin's criminal trial ended abruptly after a hearing over how police and prosecutors handled ammunition evidence. The judge found the prosecution intentionally withheld key evidence from the defense.
Morrissey was found to have failed discovery obligations and given inconsistent testimony about suppressed evidence. The case also involved Santa Fe District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies and Kea Riggs.
Meanwhile, The Trial of Alec Baldwin documentary opens in theaters next month.
Quick answers
Why was Alec Baldwin's civil rights lawsuit dismissed?
The judge ruled that special prosecutor Kari Morrissey is protected by absolute prosecutorial immunity and that the alleged misconduct fell within the scope of the prosecutors' duties.
What was the lawsuit about?
It concerned Baldwin's prosecution in the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the film Rust.
What happened in Baldwin's criminal trial?
In October 2025, the trial ended abruptly after a hearing over how police and prosecutors handled ammunition evidence. The judge found the prosecution intentionally withheld key evidence from the defense.