FBI Seizes Devices from Ex-Rep. Eric Swalwell in Sexual Misconduct Investigation
Federal agents searched ex-Rep. Eric Swalwell's home and seized his electronic devices as part of a sexual misconduct probe.
Federal agents searched former California Democratic Representative Eric Swalwell's Washington home and seized his electronic devices as part of an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct, according to reporting from multiple outlets citing an AP source. Agents also seized electronic devices from Swalwell at San Francisco International Airport, according to The Guardian's reporting. The investigation centers on allegations of sexual misconduct against the former congressman, though neither source specifies the precise nature of the allegations or who made them. Swalwell represented California's 14th Congressional District as a Democrat and previously served on the House Intelligence Committee. He lost his re-election bid in 2024. The searches and device seizures represent a significant investigative step, typically used to preserve and examine digital communications and evidence.
Why it matters
A federal investigation into a former U.S. congressman involving searches and device seizures is a serious law-enforcement escalation with potential legal and political consequences. The case is notable given Swalwell's prior high-profile role on the House Intelligence Committee.
What's next
No information about charges, timelines, or next steps in the investigation was available in the sources at time of reporting.
Key facts
- Federal agents searched Swalwell's Washington, D.C. home as part of the probe
- Electronic devices were also seized from Swalwell at San Francisco International Airport
- The investigation concerns allegations of sexual misconduct against Swalwell
- Swalwell is a former Democratic congressman from California who lost re-election in 2024
- Reporting cites an AP source; no official federal agency statement has been published
- Swalwell previously served on the House Intelligence Committee
Bias & framing notes
Both sources rely on a single unnamed AP source rather than official confirmation from the FBI or DOJ, which limits certainty. The Guardian's headline uses the word 'raids,' which carries a more dramatic connotation than the more neutral 'seizes devices' framing used by NPR. Neither source includes comment from Swalwell or his representatives, nor any official law enforcement statement, leaving the account one-sided by necessity rather than editorial choice.
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