FBI searches former Rep. Eric Swalwell’s home, seizes his electronic devices

FBI agents executed a search warrant at the home of former Rep. Eric Swalwell in Washington, D.C., and seized his electronic devices over the weekend, according to a person familiar with the matter. The operation occurred in connection with an ongoing investigation into sexual misconduct allegations against Swalwell. Agents also detained Swalwell at San Francisco International Airport on Saturday evening and confiscated his personal electronics, including an iPhone and a MacBook Pro, as part of the same investigation. The search of Swalwell's residence in Washington followed the initial seizure of his devices. Both actions are linked to the broader probe into the allegations against him. An attorney for Swalwell did not immediately respond to requests for comment, and Swalwell himself also declined to comment. He has previously denied all criminal wrongdoing claims. Swalwell, a Democrat, stepped down from his congressional seat in California in April following multiple sexual misconduct allegations. The controversy began when the San Francisco Chronicle published an article on April 10 detailing a former aide who claimed she had been sexually assaulted by Swalwell while intoxicated. The woman, who worked for him from 2019 to 2021, described incidents occurring in 2019 and 2024. A source close to the woman confirmed the accuracy of the Chronicle's reporting. Following the Chronicle article, CNN reported on additional allegations from four women, including one whose account aligned with the woman cited in the Chronicle. One of the other accusers, Democratic influencer Ally Sammarco, stated that Swalwell had sent her unsolicited explicit images. She corroborated this to NBC News. Swalwell responded to the allegations by denying them in a video posted on social media on April 10. He called the claims "flat false," asserting they had never occurred and vowed to fight them vigorously. Days later, he faced further accusations from model Lonna Drewes, who accused him during a news conference of drugging, raping, and choking her in a California hotel room in 2018. Drewes filed a police report with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, citing fear of his political influence and connections to law enforcement as reasons for her delayed disclosure. She expressed feeling emboldened by the courage of other accusers. Swalwell denied Drewes' allegations as well. In April, federal authorities contacted at least one woman who had publicly discussed sexual misconduct claims against Swalwell, according to a source familiar with the contact. State-level investigations in California and New York were also underway, as some alleged misconduct reportedly occurred in both jurisdictions. Arick Fudali, Drewes' attorney, informed NBC News that his client had not yet spoken to the FBI but expressed encouragement over the increased focus on the case. He noted that Drewes had already communicated with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and provided further details. The Manhattan District Attorney’s office chose not to comment on the federal searches. In April, Washington, D.C., U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro announced on social media that she was examining Swalwell’s conduct within the district. She established a tip line for individuals with credible information about alleged sexual or inappropriate behavior by Swalwell. Pirro highlighted that five women had made serious allegations against him and urged anyone with relevant information to come forward.