Alec Baldwin Faces Civil Lawsuits After Criminal Case Dismissed

A judge has ruled that Alec Baldwin must face a civil trial in October over allegations that he negligently fired a gun on the set of the film “Rust,” leading to the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins in 2021.

The ruling by Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Maurice Leiter allows two claims brought by Serge Svetnoy, a gaffer who was on set during the incident, to proceed to trial: negligence and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The judge dismissed Svetnoy’s assault claim, finding no evidence that Baldwin intended to cause harm.

Judge Leiter stated in his summary judgment that “a reasonable jury could find that Mr. Baldwin recklessly disregarded the probability that pointing a gun in the direction of someone, with the finger on the trigger, would cause emotional distress.” Regarding the negligence claim, the judge noted that while others were responsible for firearm safety on set, this does not relieve Baldwin of his duty of care to individuals like Svetnoy.

Svetnoy alleged that he suffered emotional distress from the incident, describing a whoosh from the gunshot and a loud bang, and claimed the bullet that killed Hutchins narrowly missed him. However, the judge found no basis for the assault allegation due to lack of evidence of intent to harm.

Baldwin’s manslaughter case was dismissed in July 2024 after a judge ruled prosecutors had withheld evidence. That dismissal was with prejudice, meaning Baldwin cannot be retried on the criminal charge. He has since filed a lawsuit alleging malicious prosecution, which remains ongoing.

Multiple civil lawsuits have emerged from the October 2021 shooting on the set of “Rust” near Santa Fe, New Mexico. While some, including suits by other crew members and Hutchins’ husband, have been settled without admission of wrongdoing, Svetnoy’s case is among those moving toward trial.

The incident occurred when Baldwin was rehearsing with a Colt .45 revolver believed to contain dummy rounds. The gun discharged a live round, striking Hutchins in the chest and causing her death. Baldwin has stated he did not pull the trigger and was unaware the weapon was loaded with live ammunition.

As of the ruling date of Friday, April 17, 2026, Baldwin is set to face civil trial in October over the negligence and emotional distress claims. No trial date has been specified beyond the month, and the possibility of settlement before trial remains open.