A Los Angeles court has ruled that Alec Baldwin will face a civil trial regarding the 2021 shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins during the filming of the movie Rust in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The trial, scheduled to begin on October 12, 2024, will explore claims of negligence and emotional distress following the incident. Crew member Serge Svetnoy, who was present during the shooting, has filed a lawsuit alleging severe emotional distress despite not being physically harmed. The court dismissed Baldwin's criminal manslaughter case in July 2024 after prosecutors failed to disclose key evidence. Judge Maurice Leiter allowed the civil case to proceed, rejecting Baldwin's arguments that he should not be held liable for safety failures on set. The judge indicated that a jury might find Baldwin's actions reckless, especially for pointing a firearm at another individual. However, the court dismissed an assault claim due to lack of evidence of intent to harm. Baldwin has consistently denied responsibility, asserting he did not pull the trigger and was unaware the firearm contained a live round. The trial's start date was postponed from May to allow for further evidence gathering and settlement discussions.