Federal agents seized electronic devices from former California Congressman Eric Swalwell at San Francisco’s airport last Saturday, escalating a criminal investigation into multiple sexual assault allegations against the prominent Democrat who served as one of President Trump’s most aggressive antagonists in Congress.
Federal Investigation Intensifies
FBI agents confiscated Swalwell’s devices during a weekend airport stop and executed a search warrant at his residence the following day, according to a law enforcement source speaking on condition of anonymity. The Manhattan District Attorney’s office confirmed in April it had opened an investigation after a former staffer publicly accused Swalwell of rape during a 2024 charity gala in New York City. The accuser reported the incident to CNN and the San Francisco Chronicle, prompting District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s Special Victims Division to encourage survivors and witnesses to come forward with information.
Attorney Arick Fudali, representing accusers, issued a statement expressing encouragement about the FBI’s expanding investigation. A separate woman, identified as Drewes, came forward at a news conference claiming Swalwell assaulted her at a Southern California hotel. She made her allegations public shortly after Swalwell withdrew from California’s gubernatorial race. Swalwell has denied both assault allegations.
Political Background and Intelligence Concerns
Swalwell represented California’s 15th congressional district and gained national prominence as a member of the House Judiciary and Intelligence committees during Trump’s first administration. He served as one of several Democratic prosecutors during Trump’s second impeachment following the January 6, 2021 Capitol attack. However, then-House Speaker Kevin McCarthy removed Swalwell from the Intelligence Committee in 2023, citing security concerns over his documented contact with Christine Fang, a suspected Chinese intelligence operative who participated in fundraising for his 2014 congressional campaign.
Federal investigators briefed Swalwell and Congress about Fang in 2015, after which Swalwell severed contact with her. No charges resulted from that matter, and a House Ethics Committee probe opened in 2021 closed two years later without action against the congressman.
What This Means
The FBI’s device seizure represents a significant escalation in the criminal investigation, suggesting prosecutors are gathering electronic evidence that could include communications, messages, and other digital records. Search warrants require judicial approval based on probable cause that evidence of crimes exists in the locations searched. The Manhattan District Attorney’s office continues encouraging anyone with relevant information to contact investigators. The case marks a dramatic reversal for a politician who built his reputation on aggressive prosecution of political opponents and oversight of intelligence operations.