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 counsellors are well-equipped to help you in a trauma-informed, survivor-centered manner.'
The investigation comes a day after Swalwell claimed 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 stated. '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, where a former staff member described inappropriate comments and sexual solicitation from Swalwell after being hired. According to her, the first alleged incident took place after they went out for drinks in September 2019, with another assault claimed to have occurred after a charity gala in New York in 2024.
The BBC has not independently verified her account or identity but has reached out to her attorney for comment. Following the initial report, CNN later reported further allegations from three additional women, prompting Swalwell's legal team to send cease-and-desist letters to two of the accusers.
Swalwell addressed the public via a Facebook video, denying the allegations and looking to clarify his past conduct. By Saturday, Swalwell's gubernatorial campaign faced significant fallout, losing support from key figures like Senator Adam Schiff and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries. The allegations have sparked broader discussions within the Democratic party, especially as it approaches a competitive primary election to replace outgoing Governor 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 counsellors are well-equipped to help you in a trauma-informed, survivor-centered manner.'
The investigation comes a day after Swalwell claimed 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 stated. '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, where a former staff member described inappropriate comments and sexual solicitation from Swalwell after being hired. According to her, the first alleged incident took place after they went out for drinks in September 2019, with another assault claimed to have occurred after a charity gala in New York in 2024.
The BBC has not independently verified her account or identity but has reached out to her attorney for comment. Following the initial report, CNN later reported further allegations from three additional women, prompting Swalwell's legal team to send cease-and-desist letters to two of the accusers.
Swalwell addressed the public via a Facebook video, denying the allegations and looking to clarify his past conduct. By Saturday, Swalwell's gubernatorial campaign faced significant fallout, losing support from key figures like Senator Adam Schiff and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries. The allegations have sparked broader discussions within the Democratic party, especially as it approaches a competitive primary election to replace outgoing Governor Gavin Newsom.
