Former Rep. Eric Swalwell Under Justice Department Investigation Over Sexual Assault Allegations

The U.S. Department of Justice has opened an investigation into California Congressman Eric Swalwell over allegations of sexual assault, according to a source familiar with the matter. The probe marks a significant legal development for the Democratic lawmaker, who has been a prominent figure in national politics since his 2013 election to the House of Representatives.

Eric Swalwell, 44, rose to national prominence as a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and the House Judiciary Committee, where he played a visible role during both impeachment inquiries into former President Donald Trump. A former Alameda County prosecutor, Swalwell was first elected to Congress in 2012 after defeating longtime incumbent Democrat Pete Stark in a primary. He launched a short-lived presidential campaign in April 2019, withdrawing from the race three months later, and has since remained a frequent presence on cable news. The emergence of a federal investigation represents one of the most serious legal threats of his political career.

Federal investigations involving sitting or recent members of Congress are relatively rare and typically move cautiously due to constitutional considerations, including the Speech or Debate Clause, which limits the government’s ability to use certain legislative materials as evidence. Sexual assault cases at the federal level are often prosecuted when the alleged conduct involves interstate travel, occurred on federal property, or touches on statutes such as those related to trafficking or civil rights. The specific statutory basis for the Swalwell probe remains unclear, and the Department of Justice has not publicly confirmed the investigation. Legal experts note that the opening of an inquiry does not imply guilt, and a significant number of federal investigations conclude without charges being filed.

The disclosure of the investigation is likely to prompt renewed political scrutiny in Washington, particularly given Swalwell’s high profile as a Democratic critic of the Trump administration. Observers will be watching for any formal statement from the Justice Department, Swalwell’s office, or his legal representatives, as well as potential action by the House Ethics Committee, which traditionally reviews conduct allegations involving current members. Whether the investigation progresses toward charges, is resolved without action, or remains an open inquiry will likely depend on the evidence gathered by federal investigators in the coming weeks and months.