Alec Baldwin Breaks Down As Judge Dismisses His Manslaughter Case Live On TV

In a dramatic turn of events worthy of a courtroom drama, Alec Baldwin saw his involuntary manslaughter trial for the fatal 2022 shooting of Rust cinematographer Halyna Hutchins dismissed today by a New Mexico judge.

As Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer spoke the words, “The motion to dismiss with prejudice is granted,” the obviously-relieved actor removed his glasses, hung his head and broke down in tears. It was all caught live on CourtTV. You can watch it below at about the 5:35 mark.

Also in the courtroom were Baldwin’s wife, Hilaria, who wept as she gave the Emmy-winner a hug, and his brother, Stephen, and sister sister Elizabeth Keuchler, who listened intently throughout the judge’s announcement.

Judge Sommer unveiled her ruling on the defense motion to dismiss based on “concealed” evidence that Baldwin’s lawyer filed late Thursday. With the constant chorus of local police missteps, blatant professional incompetence, DA stumbles and eccentrics that have played out in this matter since that terrible day almost three years ago, the dismissal of the case today was simultaneously  shocking and not that unexpected.