SANTA FE, N.M. — A judge has dismissed a lawsuit brought by actor Alec Baldwin, alleging malicious prosecution and civil rights violations stemming from the tragic shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the film “Rust” in 2021. The ruling, released Wednesday, dismisses the case without prejudice, allowing Baldwin’s legal team 30 days to potentially seek reinstatement in state district court.

Baldwin’s lead attorney, Luke Nikas, described the dismissal as a minor setback, emphasizing that their team has been prepared to move forward with the case. He stated that ongoing discussions for a possible settlement could influence their next steps, hinting at a prompt re-filing should those talks not yield a satisfactory outcome.

The defendants in the lawsuit include special prosecutor Kari Morrissey, Santa Fe District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies, three investigators from the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office, and the county’s board of commissioners. The claim alleges that these officials targeted Baldwin for motives related to professional or political gain, a significant part of the accusations from Baldwin’s side.

Further complicating matters for Baldwin, charges of involuntary manslaughter against him were previously dismissed at trial due to claims that law enforcement had not disclosed critical evidence to the defense. This trial experienced turmoil when it was revealed that unrelated ammunition had been introduced into the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office months prior to the incident, potentially impacting the investigation into Hutchins’ death.

The lawsuit also includes elements of defamation, underscoring the actor’s contention that prosecutors and investigators wrongfully depicted him to further their own agendas. Hutchins was tragically killed during a rehearsal for “Rust” in October 2021 when Baldwin discharged a weapon while aiming at her. He maintains that he did not pull the trigger but merely pulled back the hammer, leading to the fatal incident.

In a recent interview, Baldwin reflected on the chaotic moments in court, expressing disbelief over how the trial concluded abruptly. He noted that his personal life has improved significantly in the past year compared to the preceding years marked by turmoil.

Despite the judge’s decision regarding the malicious prosecution claim, Baldwin remains embroiled in additional legal issues. He and other producers of “Rust” are facing a lawsuit from Hutchins’ family in New Mexico, further complicating the aftermath of the incident. A deposition for Baldwin in that case was postponed in May and has yet to be rescheduled, leaving questions about its future trajectory.

As Baldwin continues to navigate the turbulent legal landscape following the tragedy, the implications of the original incident resonate both in the courtroom and with the broader community, reflecting the complexities of accountability in high-profile cases.