The Manhattan District Attorney's Office says it has launched an investigation into sexual misconduct allegations against US congressman Eric Swalwell. Four women have accused him of misconduct ranging from sexual harassment to rape, including an alleged incident in New York. Swalwell, a leading contender in California's governor race, denies the claims, vowing to defend himself with facts.
We urge survivors and anyone with knowledge of these allegations to contact our Special Victims Division, said the New York City prosecutor's office. Representatives for Swalwell, who was elected in 2012 to a district near San Francisco, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
In urging accusers to come forward, the district attorney's office said on Saturday: Our specially trained prosecutors, investigators, and counselors are well-equipped to help you in a trauma-informed, survivor-centered manner.
The investigation comes a day after Swalwell stated the allegations were false. For nearly 20 years, I have served the public - as a prosecutor and a congressman and have always protected women, the married father-of-three added. I will defend myself with the facts and where necessary bring legal action.
The first allegation against Swalwell emerged publicly on Friday in the San Francisco Chronicle. A former staff member accused him of making inappropriate comments and soliciting her for sex shortly after her hiring. She alleged that she was assaulted twice by Swalwell, once in September 2019 and again in 2024, claiming she was too intoxicated to consent during both incidents. The BBC has not been able to verify her account.
Swalwell's legal team has sent cease-and-desist letters to two of the accusers. In a Facebook video, he reiterated his denial of the allegations and expressed that he deeply apologizes to his wife for the situation. Shortly after the allegations surfaced, he lost backing from prominent supporters, including Senator Adam Schiff and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
These allegations arise at a crucial juncture in Swalwell's political career as he aims for the governor's office, a role previously held by Gavin Newsom.
We urge survivors and anyone with knowledge of these allegations to contact our Special Victims Division, said the New York City prosecutor's office. Representatives for Swalwell, who was elected in 2012 to a district near San Francisco, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
In urging accusers to come forward, the district attorney's office said on Saturday: Our specially trained prosecutors, investigators, and counselors are well-equipped to help you in a trauma-informed, survivor-centered manner.
The investigation comes a day after Swalwell stated the allegations were false. For nearly 20 years, I have served the public - as a prosecutor and a congressman and have always protected women, the married father-of-three added. I will defend myself with the facts and where necessary bring legal action.
The first allegation against Swalwell emerged publicly on Friday in the San Francisco Chronicle. A former staff member accused him of making inappropriate comments and soliciting her for sex shortly after her hiring. She alleged that she was assaulted twice by Swalwell, once in September 2019 and again in 2024, claiming she was too intoxicated to consent during both incidents. The BBC has not been able to verify her account.
Swalwell's legal team has sent cease-and-desist letters to two of the accusers. In a Facebook video, he reiterated his denial of the allegations and expressed that he deeply apologizes to his wife for the situation. Shortly after the allegations surfaced, he lost backing from prominent supporters, including Senator Adam Schiff and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
These allegations arise at a crucial juncture in Swalwell's political career as he aims for the governor's office, a role previously held by Gavin Newsom.
