Judge Rules Alec Baldwin to Face Civil Trial Over 'Rust' Shooting

Gaffer Serge Svetnoy's claims for punitive damages, negligence and emotional distress can move forward

Apr. 17, 2026 at 9:06pm

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An abstract close-up image of shattered glass and cracked leather textures, captured in dramatic high-contrast studio lighting to conceptually represent the emotional turmoil and safety issues surrounding the 'Rust' film set tragedy.The civil trial over the fatal 'Rust' shooting incident could shine a light on the emotional toll and fractured safety protocols on film sets.Santa Fe Today

A Los Angeles Superior Court judge has ruled that a civil case against actor Alec Baldwin over alleged negligence on the set of the film 'Rust' in 2021 can proceed to trial this fall. The lawsuit was filed by gaffer Serge Svetnoy, who claims he narrowly missed being hit when the prop revolver Baldwin was holding went off, killing cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and wounding director Joel Souza.

Why it matters

The 'Rust' shooting incident sparked widespread scrutiny over safety protocols on film sets and the use of real firearms. This civil trial could shed more light on the events leading up to the tragedy and any potential liability on the part of Baldwin and the production company.

The details

Judge Maurice Leiter allowed Svetnoy's claims for punitive damages, negligence and intentional infliction of emotional distress to move forward, but dismissed his assault claim. The judge stated 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.' If a settlement is not reached, the trial is set to begin on October 12.

  • The incident occurred on October 21, 2021 on the set of the Western movie 'Rust' in Santa Fe County, New Mexico.
  • Svetnoy filed the lawsuit in November 2021.
  • The judge's ruling allowing the civil case to proceed was issued on April 17, 2026.

The players

Alec Baldwin

A three-time Emmy-winning actor known for his role on the NBC series '30 Rock', who was rehearsing a scene on the 'Rust' set when the prop revolver he was holding discharged, killing Halyna Hutchins.

Serge Svetnoy

The gaffer on the 'Rust' film set who filed a lawsuit alleging he narrowly missed being hit when the prop gun went off, and claiming he suffered emotional distress due to the negligence of Baldwin and the production company.

Halyna Hutchins

The cinematographer on the 'Rust' film set who was killed when the prop revolver Baldwin was holding discharged.

Joel Souza

The director of the film 'Rust' who was wounded when the prop gun went off.

Hannah Gutierrez Reed

The armorer on the 'Rust' film set who was named in Svetnoy's lawsuit along with Baldwin and the production company.

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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

If a settlement between Svetnoy, Baldwin and Rust Movie Productions is not reached, the civil trial is set to begin on October 12, 2026.

The takeaway

This civil trial will likely provide more insight into the safety lapses and chain of events that led to the tragic 'Rust' shooting, and could have significant implications for Baldwin, the production company, and the broader film industry's approach to firearms on set.