Federal authorities have intensified their investigation into former Representative Eric Swalwell, executing search warrants that resulted in the seizure of his electronic devices and a search of his residence. The recent actions by federal agents mark a significant escalation in the legal challenges facing the California Democrat, who recently resigned from Congress following a series of sexual misconduct allegations.
What happened
The federal intervention began on a recent Saturday at San Francisco International Airport, where agents intercepted the former congressman and took possession of his electronic devices. The following day, authorities executed a separate search warrant at Swalwell’s home in Washington, D.C.
While the Department of Justice has not released an official statement, a source familiar with the proceedings confirmed the searches on the condition of anonymity. These developments come just months after the seven-term lawmaker stepped down from his seat in the House of Representatives. In response to the searches, legal counsel for Swalwell maintained that the former representative denies all accusations of sexual assault and inappropriate conduct.
Context
The investigation stems from several highly publicized allegations that surfaced earlier this year. In April 2026, Swalwell resigned from Congress after reports emerged detailing accusations of sexual assault involving a former staffer. According to reports from the San Francisco Chronicle and CNN, the staffer alleged that Swalwell assaulted her on two occasions, including a 2024 incident at a New York City hotel during a charity gala.
The Manhattan District Attorney’s office, led by Alvin Bragg, confirmed it had opened an inquiry into the New York allegations, urging other potential survivors to come forward. Beyond the primary assault allegations, other reports have suggested a pattern of misconduct, with multiple women coming forward to allege that Swalwell sent unsolicited explicit messages and images.
Furthermore, a California woman named Lonna Drewes has come forward with allegations dating back to 2018. Her legal team has expressed support for the federal government’s increased involvement, stating they are encouraged by the FBI’s decision to escalate the investigation into the former congressman’s past behavior.
Why it matters
The federal government’s decision to seize personal electronics and search a former lawmaker’s home suggests that the probe has moved into a more serious phase. For Swalwell, who was once a prominent figure in the Democratic Party and a regular fixture on national news, the fallout has been swift and severe.
Prior to the scandal, Swalwell was considered a leading contender in the race for Governor of California. The allegations forced him to abandon his gubernatorial ambitions and resign from the House Judiciary Committee, where he had played a high-profile role in several national investigations.
The involvement of both the FBI and the Manhattan District Attorney indicates a multi-jurisdictional approach to the allegations. As investigators review the contents of the seized devices, the focus will likely remain on verifying the accounts of the accusers and determining if any federal laws were violated. For now, the case serves as a stark reminder of how quickly a high-profile political career can be derailed by serious criminal allegations and subsequent federal scrutiny.