FBI Searches Former Rep. Eric Swalwell’s Home, Seizes Devices in Sexual Assault Investigation
The FBI seized electronic devices belonging to former California Rep. Eric Swalwell and searched his Washington, D.C. home over the weekend of August 15-16, as part of an ongoing federal investigation into sexual assault allegations against him — allegations that led to his resignation from Congress and the end of his campaign for California governor earlier this year.
What Happened
Federal agents stopped Swalwell at San Francisco International Airport on Saturday evening, August 15, and seized his electronic devices while executing a search warrant, according to NBC News. According to a copy of the warrant obtained by NBC News, investigators seized an iPhone and a MacBook Pro computer. Agents then searched Swalwell’s Washington, D.C. home the following day, Sunday, August 16, according to multiple outlets including CNN and The Washington Post.
CNN reported that four women have confirmed they’ve been contacted by the FBI as part of the investigation.
Background on the Allegations
Swalwell resigned from Congress in April 2026 and suspended his campaign for California governor after the San Francisco Chronicle reported allegations from a former member of his staff. According to ABC7 San Francisco, the woman alleged Swalwell sexually assaulted her twice while she was too intoxicated to consent. The House Ethics Committee announced the same day it was investigating the allegations against him, and Swalwell resigned as colleagues were preparing to pursue his expulsion from the House.
A separate accuser, Lonna Drewes, said at a news conference following Swalwell’s resignation that she believed Swalwell drugged her drink before assaulting her in 2018. Given the serious and sensitive nature of these allegations, this report focuses on the confirmed facts of the investigation rather than detailed accounts of the individual allegations.
Swalwell has denied the allegations, previously calling the claims “flat false,” according to ABC7’s earlier reporting on the case.
Response From an Advocate for the Accusers
Cheyenne Hunt, a lawyer and advocate who has worked with women who have accused Swalwell, issued a statement following news of the FBI’s actions. “There is a cultural reckoning taking place across the country, and we are making it clear that abuse, misogyny, and violence against women are no longer just liabilities,” Hunt said, according to ABC7 San Francisco.
An attorney for Drewes, Arick Fudali, told NBC News that his client has not personally spoken with the FBI as part of the investigation.
Prior State-Level Investigations
The federal investigation follows earlier state-level scrutiny. According to NBC News, state investigators in both California and New York had separately been investigating the accusations against Swalwell, since some of the alleged conduct reportedly occurred in both states. In April, federal law enforcement had already reached out to at least one woman who had spoken publicly about the allegations, according to a source who spoke with NBC News at the time.
FAQ
What did the FBI seize from Eric Swalwell? An iPhone and a MacBook Pro computer, according to a search warrant obtained by NBC News.
When did the FBI’s actions take place? Agents stopped Swalwell at San Francisco International Airport on Saturday, August 15, and searched his Washington, D.C. home the following day, August 16.
Why did Swalwell resign from Congress? He resigned in April 2026 and suspended his campaign for California governor after sexual assault allegations from a former staff member became public, with the House Ethics Committee announcing an investigation the same day.
How many accusers are involved in the FBI’s investigation? CNN reported that four women have confirmed being contacted by the FBI as part of the probe.
Has Swalwell responded to the allegations? He has denied them, previously describing the claims as “flat false.”
Conclusion
The FBI’s search of Swalwell’s home and seizure of his devices marks a significant escalation in what has already been a monthslong federal, state, and congressional inquiry into the allegations against him. With the investigation still active and Swalwell continuing to deny the claims, further developments in the case are likely as federal investigators review the seized devices and continue working with the women who have come forward.
Sources: NBC News, CNN, The Washington Post, ABC7 San Francisco, KTLA, The Hill (reporting dated August 20, 2026).