FBI agents seized electronic devices from former California Democratic Congressman Eric Swalwell at San Francisco International Airport on Saturday, August 15, 2026, as part of an ongoing investigation into sexual misconduct allegations against him [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8]. The following day, on Sunday, August 16, FBI agents raided Swalwell's residence in Washington, D.C. and collected additional evidence tied to the case [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8].

The investigation centers on claims made by at least four women accusing Swalwell of sexual assault and misconduct, including serious allegations involving a former staffer who was allegedly intoxicated and unable to consent, drugging to facilitate assault back in 2018, and sending unsolicited explicit photos [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. Swalwell, age 45, has denied all allegations, stating, "I will fight the serious false allegation made against me. However, I must take responsibility and ownership for the mistakes I did make," while also apologizing for some past lapses in judgment [1].

Swalwell resigned from Congress in April 2026 after these allegations surfaced and after withdrawing from the California governor’s race earlier the same month [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. He was not arrested or detained during the recent FBI operation [7, 8]. Prior to his resignation, the House ethics committee investigated him but closed the inquiry upon his departure, as it lacks jurisdiction over former members [1]. The U.S. Department of Justice started a criminal investigation after Swalwell stepped down [1, 2, 3].

Swalwell has also faced scrutiny from New York's Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department [2, 3, 4, 5, 7]. In 2023, Speaker Kevin McCarthy removed Swalwell from the House Intelligence Committee for ties to suspected Chinese spy Christine Fang, though a House ethics investigation found no wrongdoing [4, 5].

Eric Swalwell was first elected to Congress in 2012, representing California's San Francisco East Bay district [4, 5]. The allegations include reported incidents dating back to 2018 involving drugging and sexual assault [2, 3, 4, 5]. In his April 12, 2026 announcement, Swalwell cited distraction caused by the allegations as a reason for withdrawing from the governor’s race and subsequently resigned on April 13, 2026 [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].

No further FBI operations have been publicly announced, and the investigation remains active as prosecutors review evidence from the recent seizures.