Kathmandu— The FBI raided the home of former US Representative Eric Swalwell in Washington, D.C., and seized his electronic devices at San Francisco airport as part of an investigation into alleged sexual misconduct. The raid occurred months after Swalwell resigned from Congress in April amid accusations by one woman of sexual assault and reports of other forms of misconduct involving four additional women; he also withdrew from the California governor’s race, where he was considered a leading candidate. The FBI has declined to comment on the matter, which follows previous scrutiny regarding Swalwell's past relationship with a woman US authorities identified as a Chinese spy.

Allegations and Resignation

Swalwell resigned from Congress in April following public allegations of sexual misconduct. One woman publicly accused him of sexual assault during his time in office, while four others alleged other forms of misconduct. These accusations led to the end of his campaign for governor of California, where he had been considered a frontrunner.

Past Scrutiny and Intelligence Committee Removal

Beyond the recent allegations, Swalwell faced scrutiny over a past relationship with Christine Fang, who US authorities believe was a Chinese spy. He was removed from the House Intelligence Committee in 2023 due to concerns about this relationship, which Swalwell stated he ended after being informed by federal agents. A subsequent investigation by the House Ethics Committee resulted in no action.

Political Context and White House Response

Swalwell gained prominence during Donald Trump’s presidency as a Democratic prosecutor in impeachment proceedings related to the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot. His lawyer suggested that the recent release of FBI documents pertaining to his relationship with Fang was politically motivated, intended to punish him for being an outspoken critic of the current administration. The San Francisco Chronicle reported on this claim.

Ongoing Special Election

The FBI raid comes as election officials continue counting ballots in a special election to fill Swalwell’s vacant congressional seat. As of Thursday, Aisha Wahab held a narrow lead over Melissa Hernandez, with approximately 300 votes separating the two Democratic candidates; Hernandez received late financial support from the American Israeli Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC).

DOJ Actions and Trump's Vow

The raid on Swalwell’s home follows other actions by the Department of Justice targeting political opponents of former President Trump. James Comey, a former FBI director, has been charged in relation to a social media post that prosecutors claim constituted a threat against the president. Trump had previously vowed retribution against his political adversaries.

The investigation remains ongoing as election officials finalize results in the special election for Swalwell’s former congressional seat.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.