FBI seizes Eric Swalwell devices in sexual assault probe
Federal agents seized electronic devices from former Rep. Eric Swalwell at San Francisco International Airport on Saturday and raided his Washington, D.C., home the next day as part of a federal probe tied to sexual assault claims, sources told CNN. Swalwell has denied the allegations and resigned from Congress in April.
Key Takeaways
- FBI agents served a search warrant on Eric Swalwell at San Francisco International Airport on Saturday and seized his cellphone and other electronics.
- Agents executed additional warrants at his Washington, D.C., residence on Sunday and seized more potential evidence.
- The federal action is tied to sexual assault and misconduct claims that also prompted probes by the Manhattan District Attorney and Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.
- Three women who have spoken publicly about allegations against Swalwell told CNN they have spoken with the FBI.
- Swalwell resigned from Congress in April after reporting by CNN and the San Francisco Chronicle; he maintains his innocence.
What did the FBI seize from Eric Swalwell?
According to CNN, federal agents seized electronic devices from the former California Democrat at the San Francisco airport on Saturday. A source told the New York Post that agents served a search warrant after he arrived in California and took his cellphone and other electronics. Swalwell, 45, was cooperative during the airport encounter, the Post reported.
The next day, agents raided his home in Washington, D.C., and seized additional potential evidence under separate warrants, sources said. Raw Story, citing Daily Mail reporting, said neither Swalwell nor his wife, Brittany Watts, was home during the Sunday search.
Why does this FBI action matter now?
The weekend seizures mark a significant escalation in a criminal inquiry that began after multiple women publicly accused Swalwell of sexual misconduct. CNN reported that the Manhattan District Attorney's Office and the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department opened criminal investigations after that reporting. The Justice Department also opened an investigation in April, according to the New York Post and Raw Story.
Swalwell resigned from Congress in April and left the California governor's race after CNN and the San Francisco Chronicle detailed the allegations. One former staffer alleged he raped her twice when she was too intoxicated to consent; another woman accused him of drugging her before a 2018 assault; two others alleged he sent unsolicited images of his genitals, the Post reported. Swalwell has denied the allegations. For related BlasterPost coverage beyond this beat, see our Future Tech & AI Wonders hub.
What else is known about the investigation?
Three women who have spoken publicly about sexual misconduct allegations against Swalwell told CNN they spoke with the FBI. Swalwell and his lawyer did not immediately respond to CNN's messages.
Separately, on Monday the White House released records detailing Swalwell's past interactions with Christine Fang, also known as Fang Fang. His attorney Sara Azari called the release concerning and said an earlier FBI inquiry into that matter produced no charges and no finding of wrongdoing. Those files are distinct from the sexual-assault device seizures, which remain the core development in this probe.