Former Rep. Eric Swalwell confronted by FBI at SFO — electronics seized as sexual misconduct probe deepens
Former Rep. Eric Swalwell‘s legal troubles have taken another turn after FBI agents approached him at San Francisco International Airport and took possession of electronic devices as part of a federal investigation into sexual misconduct allegations.
Upon arriving in California on Saturday, the former congressman, 45, was reportedly presented with a search warrant. According to a source cited by Daily Mail, Swalwell cooperated with agents.
Federal investigators also visited his Washington, D.C., residence the following day.
FBI searches Swalwell’s Washington home
A separate search was conducted at Swalwell’s Washington home on Sunday. Investigators reportedly removed additional items relevant to the case.
The Department of Justice began its investigation into Swalwell in April. Authorities have not disclosed what evidence they are seeking or specified what was taken during the searches. Swalwell continues to deny any wrongdoing as allegations from several women have come to light.
Former congressman faces multiple allegations
To date, four women have publicly accused Swalwell of sexual misconduct. One former staffer alleged that he assaulted her twice, in 2019 and 2024, when she was unable to consent due to intoxication. “I was pushing him off of me, saying no,” the woman told CNN. “He didn’t stop,” she added.
Another woman alleged that he drugged and sexually assaulted her in 2018. Two others have accused Swalwell of sending them unsolicited explicit images.
Swalwell abandoned his campaign for governor of California on April 12 and resigned from Congress on April 13 after these allegations emerged.
Swalwell’s past with Fang Fang resurfaces
The investigation is taking place amid renewed scrutiny of Swalwell’s past association with Christine Fang, also known as “Fang Fang,” a suspected Chinese spy.
Fang was previously reported to have developed relationships with U.S. politicians while studying in California. Newly declassified records reportedly include an FBI interview in which Swalwell acknowledged having physical relations with Fang “on a handful of occasions.”
Swalwell stated that he never developed a romantic relationship with her. Fang eventually left the U.S. and never returned.
Swalwell’s wife is reportedly living separately
Swalwell’s wife, Brittany Watts, has not addressed the allegations publicly. According to a source cited by People, she was caught off guard by the accusations and is now living separately from her husband.
She has reportedly been seen without her wedding ring on several occasions. “It’s very clear Eric was incredibly strategic at living a double life — he had everyone fooled,” the source told People.
The source also said that Swalwell’s wife “would never condone or excuse any of Eric’s behavior in any way. She’s focused on protecting her children and navigating this excruciating situation as best she can.”
The couple married in 2016 and have three children.