Washington — Federal agents seized electronic devices belonging to former U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell on Saturday at San Francisco International Airport and obtained a search warrant for his Washington, D.C., residence the following day. The actions are part of an ongoing investigation into several allegations of sexual misconduct made against the former Democrat from California.
Background of the allegations
Swalwell announced his resignation from Congress in April 2024 after two women publicly accused him of sexual assault. One claim alleges that Swalwell raped a former staffer at a hotel in New York City while he was attending a charity gala in 2024. The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, led by Alvin Bragg, confirmed in April that it was investigating the allegation and urged survivors and anyone with knowledge to contact its Special Victims Division.
Additional reports from the San Francisco Chronicle and CNN detail three more women who said Swalwell sent them unsolicited explicit messages or nude photographs. Swalwell has denied all accusations.
Federal involvement
According to a source familiar with the matter, who requested anonymity because the investigation is ongoing, agents from the Department of Justice seized Swalwell’s devices at the airport and later executed a search warrant at his D.C. home. The source emphasized that the individual is not authorized to discuss the investigation publicly.
Lawyers for Swalwell were contacted for comment on Thursday, but no response was provided at the time of publication.
Swalwell’s political career
Swalwell, an Iowa native, was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2012, representing a district east of San Francisco. He served seven terms and was considered a leading candidate for California’s 2026 gubernatorial race before the allegations forced him to withdraw.
During his tenure, Swalwell was a vocal critic of former President Donald Trump, serving on the House Judiciary and Intelligence Committees. He also participated as a House manager in Trump’s second impeachment trial following the January 6, 2021, Capitol breach.
In 2023, then‑Speaker Kevin McCarthy removed Swalwell from the Intelligence Committee after revelations that Swalwell had contact with Christine Fang, a suspected Chinese intelligence operative, during his early congressional campaigns. An ethics investigation opened in 2021 concluded without action.
Legal context
The investigation underscores the federal government’s authority to pursue sexual‑misconduct claims that may involve interstate communications, travel, and the handling of electronic devices. While the case is still developing, the seizure of devices and the search warrant indicate that investigators are seeking evidence that could support criminal or civil charges.
Swalwell’s resignation and the ongoing probe have drawn attention to the broader issue of accountability for elected officials accused of personal misconduct, a topic that continues to resonate with constituents nationwide.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
