Judge Allows Rust Shooting Lawsuit Against Alec Baldwin to Proceed to Trial

Gaffer Serge Svetnoy's claims for negligence and emotional distress can move forward, court rules.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 4:54am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a single spent bullet casing on a pitch-black background, the metallic surface reflecting the harsh light of the camera flash in stark contrast.The tragic Rust shooting incident continues to reverberate through the legal system, with a civil lawsuit against Alec Baldwin now proceeding to trial.Los Angeles Today

A judge in Los Angeles ruled that a civil lawsuit accusing actor Alec Baldwin of acting negligently in the deadly 2021 shooting on the set of his western film Rust can proceed to trial. The lawsuit was brought by Rust gaffer Serge Svetnoy, who alleges he suffered emotional distress from the incident where cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was fatally shot.

Why it matters

The Rust shooting incident sparked widespread scrutiny over on-set safety protocols and the use of firearms in film production. This civil case is one of several lawsuits related to the tragedy that continue to work their way through the legal system, even after the criminal charges against Baldwin were dismissed.

The details

Superior Court Judge Maurice Leiter issued a summary judgment permitting Svetnoy's claims for negligence and intentional infliction of emotional distress to advance, stating that 'a reasonable jury could find that Mr. Baldwin recklessly disregarded the probability that pointing a gun in the direction of someone, with his finger on the trigger, would cause emotional distress.' The judge also allowed Svetnoy's claim for punitive damages to proceed.

  • The lawsuit stems from the October 21, 2021 incident on the set of Rust in Bonanza City, New Mexico.
  • The trial in Svetnoy's civil case is set to begin in October 2026.

The players

Alec Baldwin

The actor who was holding the prop gun that discharged and killed Halyna Hutchins.

Serge Svetnoy

The Rust gaffer who is suing Baldwin for negligence and emotional distress related to the shooting incident.

Judge Maurice Leiter

The Los Angeles Superior Court judge who ruled that Svetnoy's lawsuit against Baldwin can proceed to trial.

Halyna Hutchins

The Rust cinematographer who was fatally shot on the film's set.

Hannah Gutierrez-Reed

The Rust armorer who was convicted of involuntary manslaughter and sentenced to 18 months in prison.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“A reasonable jury could find that Mr. Baldwin recklessly disregarded the probability that pointing a gun in the direction of someone, with his finger on the trigger, would cause emotional distress.”

— Judge Maurice Leiter, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge

What’s next

The trial in Svetnoy's civil case against Alec Baldwin is set to begin in October 2026.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing legal fallout from the Rust shooting tragedy, as multiple civil lawsuits related to the incident continue to work their way through the courts even after the criminal charges against Baldwin were dismissed.