Story perspectives

Eric Swalwell’s Devices Seized at SFO in Probe

8/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

Former U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell had his electronic devices seized at San Francisco International Airport.
Federal agents raided Swalwell’s Washington, D.C., residence the following day without arresting him.
The seizures were part of a federal investigation into sexual assault allegations against Swalwell.
Swalwell resigned from Congress in April 2026 after the misconduct reports surfaced.
The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office and Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department opened criminal investigations into the allegations.

History

Historical Context

In March 1978 the FBI launched Operation Abscam, a year-long sting that videotaped more than 30 officials and handed out over $400,000 in bribes, convicting seven members of Congress including Rep. Michael Myers. The scandal spurred Senate ethics reforms and the 1981 Attorney-General guidelines for undercover work. Decades later, raids on Rep. Eric Swalwell echo Abscam’s legacy of federal probes prompting resignations and new oversight debates.

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Story summary

Former U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell had his electronic devices seized at San Francisco International Airport.
Federal agents raided Swalwell’s Washington, D.C., residence the following day without arresting him.
The seizures were part of a federal investigation into sexual assault allegations against Swalwell.
Swalwell resigned from Congress in April 2026 after the misconduct reports surfaced.
The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office and Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department opened criminal investigations into the allegations.

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