A federal judge in New Mexico has dismissed the bulk of the Alec Baldwin lawsuit targeting the prosecutors who brought charges in the fatal 2021 shooting on the set of the film Rust, citing absolute prosecutorial immunity.
U.S. District Judge Kea Riggs of the District of New Mexico ruled that First Judicial District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies and former special prosecutor Andrea Reeb are largely shielded from civil liability for actions connected to their prosecutorial roles, according to court filings. The ruling follows a recent decision by Riggs dismissing claims against special prosecutor Kari Morrissey on the same grounds.
Riggs wrote that the court was troubled by the alleged misconduct but that, as prosecutors, Carmack-Altwies and Reeb could invoke absolute immunity. The case arises from the October 2021 incident at Bonanza Creek Ranch near Santa Fe, where cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was killed when a pistol held by Baldwin discharged during a rehearsal.
Baldwin was charged with involuntary manslaughter in 2023. The criminal case was dismissed in July 2024 after a judge found prosecutors committed egregious discovery violations. Baldwin filed suit in early 2025 alleging prosecutorial misconduct, defamation, and civil rights violations.
Alec Baldwin lawsuit narrowed but some claims remain
While granting immunity on most claims, Riggs allowed several allegations against Carmack-Altwies to move forward. The judge held that claims related to her purported role in investigating and destroying the firearm were too far removed from the judicial process to be covered by absolute immunity.
Claims tied to her alleged media statements and involvement in the law enforcement investigation will also proceed, as she did not seek their dismissal.
Riggs further found that Reeb’s concurrent service as a state legislator and special prosecutor violated separation of powers. Even so, the court concluded she retained authority to prosecute.
The judge declined to dismiss a few vague and undated allegations against Reeb, finding it premature to determine whether immunity applied. Attorney Luis Robles, representing the prosecutors, said his clients were relieved and heartened by the ruling.
Lawyers for Baldwin did not respond to a request for comment.
Background on the ‘Rust’ shooting
The shooting occurred during a rehearsal at the Rust set in October 2021, resulting in the death of Halyna Hutchins and injuring director Joel Souza. The litigation and criminal proceedings have centered on the handling of evidence, charging decisions, and public statements by officials involved in the case.