Manhattan DA Investigates Sexual Misconduct Allegations Against Eric Swalwell
The Manhattan District Attorney's Office has initiated an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct against US Congressman Eric Swalwell.
Four women have accused Swalwell of misconduct ranging from sexual harassment to rape, including an alleged incident in New York. Swalwell, a prominent candidate in California's governor race, denies these allegations and has pledged to defend himself with "facts."
"We urge survivors and anyone with knowledge of these allegations to contact our Special Victims Division,"stated the New York City prosecutor's office.
Swalwell's representatives, who have not yet responded to the BBC's request for comment, note that he was first elected in 2012 to represent a district near San Francisco.
On Saturday, the district attorney's office encouraged accusers to come forward, stating:
"Our specially trained prosecutors, investigators and counselors are well-equipped to help you in a trauma-informed, survivor-centered manner."
Swalwell Denies Allegations and Vows Legal Action
The investigation follows Swalwell's public denial of the allegations on Friday.
"For nearly 20 years, I have served the public - as a prosecutor and a congressman and have always protected women,"Swalwell said.
"I will defend myself with the facts and where necessary bring legal action."
Swalwell is a married father of three.
Details of Allegations Emerge
The first public allegation surfaced on Friday in the San Francisco Chronicle.
A former staff member alleged that shortly after being hired to work in Swalwell's district office in Castro Valley, he began making inappropriate comments, including soliciting her for sex and sending sexual messages.
She further alleged to the Chronicle that Swalwell assaulted her twice.
The first alleged incident occurred in September 2019 after they went out for drinks. The second alleged assault took place in 2024 following a charity gala in New York. On both occasions, she claimed she was too intoxicated to consent.
The BBC has not independently verified her account or identity but has reached out to her attorney for comment.
Additional Accusations and Legal Responses
CNN reported accusations from four women alleging sexual misconduct by Swalwell.
According to CNN, Swalwell's legal team has issued cease-and-desist letters to two of the accusers.
In a Facebook video message, Swalwell addressed the public directly, reiterating his denial of the allegations.
"I do not suggest to you that I am perfect or a saint,"he said.
"I've certainly made mistakes in judgment in my past. But those mistakes are between me and my wife. And to her, I apologise deeply for putting her in this position."
Political Fallout and Support
Within hours of the allegations becoming public on Friday, Swalwell lost support from key figures in the governor's race, including Senator Adam Schiff and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
Swalwell's congressional and campaign aides issued an unsigned statement on Saturday expressing their reaction to the allegations.
"We are horrified by the allegations,"the statement said, according to US media reports.
"We stand with our former colleague, and the other women who have come forward. We believe you should stand with them, too.
The behavior detailed in these reports is abhorrent, beneath the dignity of those serving in public office and betrays the trust of all Californians."
Context of the Governor's Race
The allegations arise at a critical juncture in the competitive primary race to succeed outgoing Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, and to lead California, the nation's most populous state. This occurs just weeks before voters begin receiving postal ballots.
Among Democratic candidates, Swalwell has been considered a frontrunner according to two opinion polls.
However, no clear leader has emerged from the crowded Democratic field, which risks splitting the party's vote in the liberal state.
This situation raises a significant concern for Democrats: they could be excluded from the November general election if two Republican candidates finish first and second in the June primary.
