Two women who have accused Congressman Eric Swalwell of sending unwanted explicit photos say they are grateful he is facing consequences now and leaving Congress after acting with impunity for years. Annika Albrecht and Ally Sammarco told the BBC's US partner CBS News they feel vindicated. But Albrecht said there is more to be done.
For me, justice won't be until he can't ever harm a woman ever again, and he has faced the consequences for the women that he has harmed, she said.
Swalwell, a Democrat, announced his resignation and is stepping back from the California governor's race as well. He expressed remorse for his actions but denied claims of sexual abuse.
In a statement, Swalwell said he is deeply sorry to my family, staff, and constituents for mistakes in judgement I've made in my past. He also mentioned, I will fight the serious, false allegations made against me; however, I must take responsibility and ownership for the mistakes I did make.
Elected to the House of Representatives in 2012, Swalwell faced serious accusations last week from four women, leading Congress to open an ethics inquiry and consider expulsion.
He was pushed into a corner, essentially because they were planning to expel him... so I think he [resigned] to save face a little, Sammarco shared. But I also felt very vindicated that he realized it was over for him.
Albrecht detailed how Swalwell, under the guise of professional mentorship, initiated inappropriate contact and messages. Both women emphasized the need for accountability and the potential threat that Swalwell posed, especially had he been elected governor.
The Manhattan District Attorney's Office is investigating Swalwell over allegations from an unnamed former staff member related to sexual assault claims in California and New York. The situation highlights ongoing issues of power and accountability among public officials, especially regarding how they have, in the past, faced little to no repercussions for sexual misconduct.
For me, justice won't be until he can't ever harm a woman ever again, and he has faced the consequences for the women that he has harmed, she said.
Swalwell, a Democrat, announced his resignation and is stepping back from the California governor's race as well. He expressed remorse for his actions but denied claims of sexual abuse.
In a statement, Swalwell said he is deeply sorry to my family, staff, and constituents for mistakes in judgement I've made in my past. He also mentioned, I will fight the serious, false allegations made against me; however, I must take responsibility and ownership for the mistakes I did make.
Elected to the House of Representatives in 2012, Swalwell faced serious accusations last week from four women, leading Congress to open an ethics inquiry and consider expulsion.
He was pushed into a corner, essentially because they were planning to expel him... so I think he [resigned] to save face a little, Sammarco shared. But I also felt very vindicated that he realized it was over for him.
Albrecht detailed how Swalwell, under the guise of professional mentorship, initiated inappropriate contact and messages. Both women emphasized the need for accountability and the potential threat that Swalwell posed, especially had he been elected governor.
The Manhattan District Attorney's Office is investigating Swalwell over allegations from an unnamed former staff member related to sexual assault claims in California and New York. The situation highlights ongoing issues of power and accountability among public officials, especially regarding how they have, in the past, faced little to no repercussions for sexual misconduct.
