FBI seizes Swalwell's phone, raids home
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
FBI seized former Rep. Eric Swalwell's devices at SFO and raided his DC home. The probe ties to sexual assault claims that ended his career.
Background
Eric Swalwell, a former Democratic congressman from California, resigned from Congress in April 2026 after multiple women accused him of sexual misconduct. He had been a frontrunner in the California governor's race before the allegations surfaced. The FBI's actions this weekend are part of a federal investigation into those claims, which also involve separate criminal probes by the Manhattan District Attorney's Office and the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department.
How it unfolded
- Apr 10, 2026The San Francisco Chronicle reported allegations from a former staffer that Swalwell sexually assaulted her twice, leading to his resignation and withdrawal from the governor's race.
- Apr 2026The Manhattan District Attorney's Office and the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department opened criminal investigations into Swalwell following the allegations.
- Aug 15, 2026FBI served Swalwell with a search warrant at San Francisco International Airport and seized his cellphone and other electronic devices.
- Aug 16, 2026FBI agents searched Swalwell's home in Washington, D.C., as part of the same investigation.
- Aug 20, 2026News outlets reported the FBI's actions, citing sources familiar with the matter.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- The FBI declined to comment on the warrants, and Swalwell's lawyers did not respond to requests for comment.
- Support
- Swalwell has stated he will fight the 'serious, false allegation' made against him, maintaining his innocence.
- Caution
- Some commentators note the raid occurred just before the White House released documents from a separate FBI investigation into Swalwell's ties to an alleged Chinese spy, suggesting a broader scrutiny.
Still unverified
The specific details of the sexual assault allegations, including the identity of the accusers and the exact nature of the claims, are based on reports from CNN and the San Francisco Chronicle, and have not been independently verified. Swalwell has denied the allegations.