FBI seizes former Congressman Eric Swalwell’s devices and searches his home as part of investigation

Federal agents conducted a search at the former US Congressman Eric Swalwell's home in Washington DC over the weekend, seizing his electronic devices as part of an ongoing investigation into sexual misconduct allegations against him. The allegations, which emerged earlier this year, led Swalwell to withdraw from the California governor's race and resign from his position in the House of Representatives.

He is currently under criminal investigation by the Manhattan District Attorney's Office and Los Angeles Sheriff's Department for rape and sexual assault accusations. Swalwell has consistently denied these claims, describing them as "fabricated" and "deeply offensive" in a statement provided to the BBC. His attorney, Sara Azari, also called the allegations a "political hit job."

Federal agents obtained a search warrant and executed a raid on Swalwell's home, retrieving his devices during the process. Swalwell, who has faced allegations from multiple women, including claims of rape and sending unsolicited nude photographs, has resigned from Congress and ended his gubernatorial bid following the reports. The House ethics committee investigated but ceased operations once Swalwell was no longer a member of Congress.

The White House recently released declassified documents from a separate FBI investigation into his alleged relationship with a Chinese spy in 2015, a matter in which Swalwell never faced charges.