Federal Agents Seize Devices from Former Rep. Eric Swalwell Amid Allegations

Federal agents have confiscated electronic devices from former Rep. Eric Swalwell. They also searched his Washington home. This is part of an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct involving the former Democratic congressman from California.

The devices were seized at San Francisco airport on Saturday. Agents then executed a search warrant at Swalwell’s home the following day. A message was sent Thursday seeking comment from Swalwell’s attorney. Swalwell has denied allegations of sexual assault and misconduct.

The Daily Mail initially reported the seizure of Swalwell’s devices. Swalwell stepped down from Congress in April after accusations surfaced claiming he sexually assaulted a woman on two occasions, including once when she worked for him. News of these allegations was first reported by the San Francisco Chronicle, followed by CNN. Three other women also alleged various forms of sexual misconduct by Swalwell, including sending unsolicited explicit messages and nude photos.

Swalwell was previously seen as a leading candidate in California’s gubernatorial race. He withdrew after the allegations became public. Additionally, the Manhattan District Attorney’s office confirmed in April that it was investigating Swalwell. This followed claims by a former staffer who alleged that Swalwell raped her at a hotel during a charity gala in New York City in 2024.

The District Attorney’s office encouraged survivors and anyone with relevant information to contact its Special Victims Division. A lawyer representing Lonna Drewes, who accused Swalwell of raping her in 2018, stated that her team was cooperating with all law enforcement bodies investigating the former congressman. Drewes spoke at a news conference days after Swalwell exited the California governor’s race claiming the assault occurred at a hotel in Southern California. Swalwell denied these allegations.

Eric Swalwell, originally from Iowa, was first elected in 2012. He served a House district east of San Francisco. He launched a bid for the presidency in April 2019 but withdrew a few months later due to a lack of voter support.

Swalwell was a prominent Democratic member in Congress often at odds with Republican President Donald Trump. He was active on the House Judiciary and Intelligence Committees during Trump’s first term. Swalwell also served as one of the Democratic prosecutors in Trump’s second impeachment following the events of January 6, 2021.

In 2023, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy removed Swalwell from the Intelligence Committee. This was related to Swalwell’s interactions with a suspected Chinese spy, Christine Fang. Fang had contacted Swalwell’s campaign during his first Congressional run in 2012. She also assisted in fundraising for his 2014 campaign. Federal investigators alerted Swalwell of their concerns in 2015, and he says he severed contact with her. Though a House Ethics Committee opened an investigation in 2021, it was closed two years later without action.