The Manhattan District Attorney's Office 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,' stated 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 the BBC's request for comment.
In urging accusers to come forward, the district attorney's office said, 'Our specially trained prosecutors, investigators, and counselors are well-equipped to help you in a trauma-informed, survivor-centered manner.'
The investigation came a day after Swalwell said the allegations were 'false.' The congressman stated, 'For nearly 20 years, I have served the public - as a prosecutor and a congressman and have always protected women. 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. A former staff member alleged that shortly after starting work in Swalwell's district office, he made inappropriate comments, solicited her for sex, and sent her sexual messages.
The woman claimed to the Chronicle that she had been assaulted twice by Swalwell, with the first incident occurring in September 2019 after they went out for drinks, and the second alleged assault happening in 2024 after a charity gala in New York. On both occasions, she claimed to be too intoxicated to consent.
While the BBC has not been able to independently verify her account or identity, it has contacted her attorney for comment.
According to CNN, accusations from four women surfaced, prompting Swalwell's legal team to send cease-and-desist letters to two of the accusers.
Swalwell stated in a Facebook video message that he wanted the public to hear directly from him and reiterated his denial of the allegations. 'I do not suggest to you that I am perfect or a saint,' he said, acknowledging past mistakes but asserting that they are personal matters between him and his wife.
Following the allegations' emergence, Swalwell lost support for his gubernatorial campaign from prominent figures such as Senator Adam Schiff and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries. The timing of these allegations is critical as the California primary race heats up, just weeks before voters receive mail ballots ahead of the June 2 election.
Despite the controversy, Swalwell had been projected to be one of the top candidates in a crowded field according to opinion polls. As this situation develops, all eyes will be on both the investigation's outcomes and its potential implications for Swalwell's political aspirations.
