FBI Serves Search Warrant on Former Rep. Eric Swalwell at SFO
Newly obtained surveillance footage shows FBI agents surrounding former Rep. Eric Swalwell at San Francisco International Airport on Aug. 15, as they served him with a search warrant and seized his cellphone and laptop as part of a federal criminal investigation, according to the New York Post, which obtained the video.
The footage, captured at Swalwell's flight gate, shows the former Democratic congressman, wearing a black sweatshirt, speaking with several agents as travelers pass nearby. The video does not show agents placing Swalwell under arrest, and he was reportedly allowed to leave after the search, as reported by the New York Post and The Gateway Pundit.
Agents served Swalwell with the search warrant at about 8:25 m. and took into evidence a white Apple iPhone, its charging cable and wall adapter, and an Apple MacBook Pro, according to an inventory filed with the warrant. The FBI left Swalwell with a copy of the warrant and an inventory of the property taken, records show, as detailed in the New York Post report.
The search warrant cited a federal civil-rights statute that can be used to prosecute public officials who abuse their government power, the New York Post reported, suggesting authorities may suspect Swalwell used his official role in connection with allegations against him.
The New York Post also reported that agents executed additional warrants the following day at Swalwell's Washington, , home, where they seized other potential evidence, citing a source who previously spoke to The Post.
The federal action follows a Department of Justice investigation into Swalwell that opened in April, as reported by both the New York Post and The Gateway Pundit. Swalwell resigned from Congress and ended his campaign for California governor on April 14, according to both outlets.
Allegations and Investigations
Swalwell faces multiple allegations of sexual misconduct. The New York Post reported that one former staffer accused him of rape when she was too intoxicated to consent, citing the San Francisco Chronicle. Another woman accused him of drugging and sexually assaulting her in 2018, while two others alleged he sent them unsolicited images of his genitals. The Gateway Pundit reported that at least five women have come forward with accusations.
The Gateway Pundit detailed the account of Lonna Drews, described as the fifth accuser, who spoke at a press conference in Beverly Hills in April. Drews is represented by attorney Lisa Bloom, who said: "I represent a brave Eric Swalwell accuser. Her disturbing story is forthcoming. We call upon him to resign from Congress and the governor's race, and we will cooperate with authorities in their investigation." Bloom also disclosed that three other women had contacted her with accusations against Swalwell.
At that press conference, Drews recounted being drugged and raped by Swalwell in 2018 in a West Hollywood hotel room. "In 2018, while I was living and working as a model in Beverly Hills, and I also owned a fashion software company, I had contact with Eric Swalwell on three separate occasions," she said. "I knew he was married at the time and that his wife was pregnant. He was my friend. On the third occasion, I believe he drugged my drink." She added: "He raped me, and he choked me. And while he was choking me, I lost consciousness. I did not consent to any sexual activity."
The Gateway Pundit also reported that the Los Angeles District Attorney's office opened an investigation after Drews's press conference, and that the Manhattan District Attorney's Office is investigating a former staffer who told CNN she was sexually assaulted by Swalwell in 2019 and raped in 2024.
Swalwell has denied the allegations of wrongdoing, according to the New York Post. Swalwell and his representatives did not immediately respond to requests for comment, as reported by the New York Post.