WATCH: FBI agents confront Swalwell at airport in new footage as viewers zero in and pile on
Newly surfaced footage shows former US congressman Eric Swalwell being met by FBI agents at San Francisco International Airport, reigniting online criticism of the Democrat weeks after his resignation from Congress amid sexual misconduct allegations. The clip, first obtained by the California Post, captures Swalwell disembarking a flight on 15 August, at which point agents seized his phone and laptop; the FBI reportedly searched his Washington DC home the following day. The footage has drawn mockery on social media, with commentators, including former congressman George Santos, mocking both the confrontation and Swalwell's casual attire.
Swalwell stepped down in April after 13 years in Congress and withdrew from California's gubernatorial race following accusations from at least five women, including a former staffer, of sexual misconduct or rape, which he denies while acknowledging "mistakes". Separately, the White House has released declassified documents detailing an earlier FBI probe into his past relationship with Christine "Fang Fang" Fang, a suspected Chinese intelligence operative, in which Swalwell admitted to "physical relations" with her that ended in March 2015; he was interviewed by the FBI about the matter in 2015 and 2016. Fox News Digital said it had contacted Swalwell's attorney and the FBI for comment.
- New video shows FBI meeting ex-Rep. Swalwell at SF airport on 15 August
- Agents seized his phone and laptop amid a misconduct investigation
- Footage went viral, prompting online mockery of Swalwell's outfit
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Eric Swalwell is a US politician from California who served in the House of Representatives for 13 years. He resigned in April after several women accused him of sexual misconduct, including rape; he denies the allegations and has acknowledged making “mistakes”. He also left the race to become California’s governor.
The FBI’s earlier inquiry into Swalwell concerned his past contact with Christine Fang, also known as “Fang Fang”, whom US officials suspected of working for Chinese intelligence. Swalwell said he had a physical relationship with Fang that ended in 2015, and was interviewed by the FBI about her twice.
The allegations against Swalwell and the inquiry into Fang are separate matters. They have drawn attention because they concern a former member of Congress and raise questions about conduct and security vetting for elected officials.