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Federal Agents Seize Eric Swalwell’s Devices in Sexual Misconduct Probe

Sandy Verma | August 21, 2026 9:24 AM CST

Federal Agents Seize Eric Swalwell’s Devices in Sexual Misconduct Investigation/ TezzBuzz/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Federal agents seized electronic devices from former Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell and searched his Washington home. The searches are connected to an investigation into sexual assault and misconduct allegations, which Swalwell has denied. Swalwell resigned from Congress and ended his California gubernatorial campaign after the allegations emerged.

FILE – Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., appears at a town hall meeting in Sacramento, Calif., April 7, 2026. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli, File)

Quick Look

Federal agents seized Swalwell’s devices at San Francisco International Airport.
The seizure occurred Saturday.
Agents searched his Washington home Sunday.
A source confirmed the actions on condition of anonymity.
Swalwell has denied allegations of sexual assault and misconduct.
He resigned from Congress in April.
One former staffer accused him of raping her in New York City in 2024.
Three other women reportedly alleged different forms of sexual misconduct.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office confirmed an investigation.
Swalwell withdrew from California’s gubernatorial race.
He previously served seven terms in the U.S. House.

FYI – Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., talks with reporters after holding a town hall meeting in Sacramento, Calif., April 7, 2026. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli, File)

Deep Look

Federal agents seize devices and search home

Federal agents seized electronic devices belonging to former Rep. Eric Swalwell and searched his Washington residence as part of an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct.

Agents took the devices from Swalwell at San Francisco International Airport on Saturday, according to a person familiar with the investigation.

Authorities executed a search warrant at his Washington home the following day.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the continuing investigation publicly.

A request for comment was sent Thursday to an attorney representing Swalwell.

Swalwell denies misconduct allegations

Swalwell has denied allegations that he committed sexual assault or other misconduct.

He announced his resignation from Congress in April after a woman accused him of sexually assaulting her twice, including while she worked for him.

The San Francisco Chronicle first reported the allegations, followed by CNN.

CNN also reported that three additional women accused Swalwell of various forms of sexual misconduct, including sending unsolicited sexually explicit messages or nude photographs.

No criminal charges were announced in connection with the searches.

Manhattan prosecutors opened investigation

The office of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg confirmed in April that it was investigating Swalwell.

A former staffer told CNN and the San Francisco Chronicle that Swalwell raped her at a New York City hotel while he was attending a charity gala in 2024.

Bragg’s office encouraged “survivors and anyone with knowledge of these allegations to contact our Special Victims Division.”

The seizure of Swalwell’s devices and the search of his home indicate that investigators have obtained judicial authorization to collect potential evidence. The scope and precise status of the investigation remain unclear.

Allegations ended California governor campaign

Before the allegations became public, Swalwell was considered one of the leading Democratic candidates in California’s gubernatorial election.

He ended his campaign after the accusations surfaced and subsequently left Congress.

Swalwell, who was born in Iowa, first won election to the House in 2012. He represented a California district east of San Francisco for seven terms.

Swalwell briefly sought Democratic presidential nomination

Swalwell launched a presidential campaign in April 2019.

He ended the bid several months later after failing to gain significant support among Democratic primary voters.

During his congressional career, Swalwell became one of President Donald Trump’s most prominent Democratic opponents.

He served on the House Judiciary and Intelligence committees during Trump’s first term.

Swalwell was also one of the House prosecutors during Trump’s second impeachment following the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.

Previous scrutiny over contact with suspected Chinese spy

Then-House Speaker Kevin McCarthy removed Swalwell from the House Intelligence Committee in 2023, citing his past contact with suspected Chinese intelligence operative Christine Fang.

Fang reportedly became connected to Swalwell’s campaign when he first ran for Congress in 2012 and participated in fundraising activities for his 2014 campaign.

Federal investigators alerted Swalwell to concerns about Fang and briefed Congress in 2015.

Swalwell said he ended contact with her after receiving the warning.

He was never accused of wrongdoing in that matter. A House Ethics Committee investigation opened in 2021 and closed two years later without taking action.