Federal agents seized electronic devices from former California Representative Eric Swalwell at San Francisco International Airport and executed a search warrant at his residence, marking a significant escalation in a sexual misconduct investigation that has ended his political career.
Federal Investigation Intensifies
Authorities confiscated Swalwell’s devices at the airport on Saturday, according to a source familiar with the investigation who spoke on condition of anonymity. The following day, federal agents executed a search warrant at the former congressman’s home. The Manhattan District Attorney’s office, led by Alvin Bragg, confirmed in April that it was investigating allegations from a former staffer who publicly accused Swalwell of rape at a New York City hotel during a 2024 charity gala.
Attorney Arick Fudali, representing one of the accusers, released a statement expressing encouragement about the FBI’s expanded involvement in the case. The district attorney’s office has urged survivors and individuals with information about the allegations to contact their Special Victims Division.
Multiple Accusations Surface
The investigation involves allegations from multiple women. Another accuser, identified as Drewes, came forward at a news conference shortly after Swalwell withdrew from the California gubernatorial race. She described an assault at a Southern California hotel. Swalwell has denied these accusations. The timing of the revelations effectively ended his campaign for governor and marked a dramatic fall from his position as a prominent Democratic voice in Congress.
Political Background and Previous Controversies
Swalwell served as one of President Donald Trump’s most vocal Democratic critics during his congressional tenure. He held positions on the House Judiciary and Intelligence committees during Trump’s first term and participated as a prosecutor in Trump’s second impeachment following the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack. His congressional career faced previous scrutiny when then-House Speaker Kevin McCarthy removed him from the Intelligence Committee in 2023 due to his contact with Christine Fang, a suspected Chinese intelligence operative.
Federal investigators discovered that Fang had involvement with Swalwell’s 2012 congressional campaign and participated in fundraising efforts for his 2014 reelection. Authorities briefed Swalwell and Congress about their concerns regarding Fang in 2015. The current criminal investigation represents a separate matter from those earlier national security concerns, focusing instead on allegations of sexual misconduct that could carry serious legal consequences for the former congressman.