Judge Dismissed Most of Baldwin Civil Rights Suit
A federal judge ruled that prosecutors are protected by absolute immunity regarding conduct during the Rust trial.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Criminal Justice
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A federal judge has dismissed the majority of Alec Baldwin's civil rights lawsuit against prosecutors. The ruling granted immunity for conduct occurring during his involuntary manslaughter trial.
Why it matters
The decision underscores the legal doctrine of absolute prosecutorial immunity, which shields state officials from litigation regarding their conduct during trials to prevent retaliatory legal actions.
Judge Kea Riggs ruled that prosecutors possess absolute immunity for actions taken during the trial. Claims regarding media statements and evidence logging remain active, while others were dismissed.
The players
Alec Baldwin
He is an American actor and producer who faced involuntary manslaughter charges related to the 2021 shooting of Halyna Hutchins.
Kea Riggs
She is a federal judge who presided over the motion to dismiss the civil rights lawsuit brought by Alec Baldwin.
Kari Morrissey
She served as the special prosecutor who led the involuntary manslaughter trial against Alec Baldwin.
The details
Alec Baldwin alleged that the prosecution engaged in misconduct and abuse during his involuntary manslaughter trial, which ended in July 2024. While the judge dismissed the bulk of the suit, specific claims involving hidden evidence and statements made to the media were allowed to continue.
Timeline
Halyna Hutchins was killed in an accidental shooting in 2021.
Alec Baldwin's manslaughter trial was dismissed in July 2024.
Alec Baldwin filed his civil rights lawsuit in 2025.
Judge Riggs issued the ruling on the motion to dismiss on September 30, 2026.
Legal Context
This litigation follows the landmark 2024 Rust trial dismissal, which was prompted by the withholding of evidence by prosecutors. The current case tests the boundaries of prosecutorial immunity in New Mexico when defendants seek civil redress for alleged systemic misconduct.
This ruling highlights the challenges citizens face when attempting to hold prosecutors accountable for trial conduct through the federal court system. Residents may note how the doctrine of immunity prioritizes protecting the legal process over individual claims of prosecutorial abuse.
The takeaway
The dismissal reaffirms the high legal threshold required to overcome absolute immunity for state prosecutors in civil court. While limited claims regarding evidence logging proceed, plaintiffs face significant barriers when challenging judicial and prosecutorial conduct.
What happens next
The court is expected to rule on pending motions to dismiss the separate lawsuit filed against Santa Fe County and local sheriff investigators.
Further reading
Explore more developments on the case within the Criminal Justice section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Variety.
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