Federal Agents Seize Eric Swalwell’s Devices and Search His Washington Home Amid Misconduct Investigation

WASHINGTON — Federal agents have seized electronic devices belonging to former U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell and searched his Washington home as part of an ongoing investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct involving the former California congressman, according to a person familiar with the matter.

The person, who was not authorized to publicly discuss the investigation, said agents seized Swalwell’s devices at San Francisco International Airport on Saturday before executing a search warrant at his Washington residence the following day.

An attorney for Swalwell was contacted for comment Thursday. Swalwell has previously denied allegations of sexual assault and other misconduct.

Allegations Prompt Investigation

Swalwell announced his resignation from Congress in April, following allegations that he sexually assaulted a woman on two occasions, including an incident involving a former staffer.

The allegations were initially reported by the San Francisco Chronicle and later by CNN. CNN subsequently reported that three additional women had accused Swalwell of various forms of sexual misconduct, including allegedly sending unsolicited explicit messages or nude photographs.

The allegations have also prompted an investigation by the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office. In April, the office confirmed that it was examining allegations made by a former staffer who told CNN and the Chronicle that Swalwell raped her at a New York City hotel while he was there for a charity gala in 2024.

The district attorney’s office urged survivors and anyone with information concerning the allegations to contact its Special Victims Division.

Swalwell has denied the allegations.

Political Career Cut Short

Before the allegations became public, Swalwell had been regarded as a prominent potential candidate in California’s gubernatorial race. He withdrew from the contest after the allegations emerged.

The Iowa-born Democrat was first elected to Congress in 2012 and represented a district east of San Francisco for seven terms. He also launched a campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2019 but ended his campaign several months later after struggling to gain support.

During his congressional career, Swalwell became one of former President Donald Trump’s most outspoken Democratic critics. He served on the House Judiciary and Intelligence committees and was among the Democratic lawmakers who prosecuted the case during Trump’s second impeachment following the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.

Previous Controversy Over China-Linked Contact

Swalwell also faced scrutiny over his past association with Christine Fang, a woman U.S. officials suspected of being a Chinese intelligence operative.

Then-House Speaker Kevin McCarthy removed Swalwell from the House Intelligence Committee in 2023, citing Swalwell’s contact with Fang.

Fang reportedly came into contact with Swalwell’s political campaign when he was first running for Congress in 2012 and later participated in fundraising efforts for his 2014 campaign.

Federal investigators warned Swalwell about their concerns and briefed congressional officials about Fang in 2015. Swalwell has said he ended contact with her after being informed of the concerns.

Swalwell was not accused of wrongdoing in connection with Fang. A House Ethics Committee investigation opened in 2021 was closed two years later without disciplinary action.

Investigation Remains Ongoing

The seizure of Swalwell’s electronic devices and the search of his Washington residence represent a significant development in the investigation into the sexual misconduct allegations.

However, the existence of a search warrant or federal investigation does not by itself establish that a crime was committed. The allegations remain allegations, and Swalwell has denied wrongdoing.

The investigation remains ongoing.

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