The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) seized electronic devices belonging to former congressman Eric Swalwell at San Francisco International Airport. This occurred on Saturday night, according to two sources who spoke to Fox News Digital. A subsequent search of Swalwell’s Washington, D.C. home happened on Sunday. One of the devices taken included a cell phone. The investigation relates to allegations of sexual misconduct. Swalwell was not taken into custody, as reported by Fox News Digital. His attorney was contacted for a statement.
Eric Swalwell, previously a Democratic House member from California, resigned from his congressional position in April amidst multiple sexual misconduct allegations. He faced a potential expulsion before stepping down. Swalwell served in Congress for 13 years. At least five women have brought forward accusations against him, including one former staff member.
As allegations mounted, Swalwell withdrew from the California gubernatorial race. Lonna Drewes appeared in a Beverly Hills news conference to outline the sexual misconduct claims against Swalwell. The Associated Press normally refrains from naming individuals who allege sexual assault unless they choose to go public.
Swalwell, at the time of his resignation, stated, “I will fight the serious false allegations made against me. However, I must take responsibility and ownership for the mistakes I did make.”
Swalwell’s issues expanded as the White House released declassified FBI documents scrutinizing his connection with Christine “Fang Fang” Fang, suspected of being a Chinese intelligence operative. Swalwell admitted to having “physical relations” with Fang on several occasions, as detailed in FBI records shared recently by the White House. Their last interaction took place in March 2015.
A new Government Transparency Task Force facilitated the release of these documents. Swalwell was interviewed by the FBI in May 2015 and March 2016 regarding Fang, who reportedly had links to China’s Ministry of State Security. Her parents were also suspected Chinese intelligence officials.