Federal agents confronted former Democratic Representative Eric Swalwell at San Francisco International Airport on Saturday, seizing his cellphone and other electronics under a court-approved search warrant.
The incident was followed by additional searches: Agents executed warrants at Swalwell’s Washington, D.C., residence the next day, removing further potential evidence.
The federal investigation centers on sexual-assault allegations against Swalwell that have drawn significant scrutiny since April. Swalwell has denied all accusations, stating he has not been charged with any crime and that the execution of a search warrant does not establish guilt.
According to sources familiar with the matter, Swalwell, 45, was cooperative during the airport encounter. Agents also conducted searches at his Northeast Washington residence on Sunday, taking additional items considered relevant to the case. Authorities have not disclosed the specific items seized or the precise scope of the warrants.
The allegations first surfaced in April when a former staffer accused Swalwell of sexually assaulting her in 2019 and again in 2024. Other women have since come forward with similar claims.
Swalwell resigned from Congress earlier this year after his campaign for California governor collapsed due to the scandal. He apologized to his family, staff, and constituents for what he described as “mistakes in judgment,” but maintained that the most serious accusations were false.
The federal warrants represent an escalation from initial interviews to the collection of digital evidence. Details regarding the seized devices and any potential criminal charges remain confidential.
