Manhattan prosecutor investigates abuse claims against congressman Eric Swalwell

 

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The allegations of sexual misconduct against Democratic Congressman Eric Swalwell have been the subject of an investigation, according to the Manhattan District Attorney's Office. Four women have accused him of misconduct ranging from sexual harassment to rape, including an alleged incident in New York.  Leading candidate for governor of California, Swalwell, denies the allegations and promises to respond with "facts." "We urge survivors and anyone with knowledge of these allegations to contact our Special Victims Division," said the New York City prosecutor's office.

 The BBC inquired for clarification, but representatives for Swalwell, who was elected in 2012 to a district near San Francisco, did not immediately respond.

"Our specially trained prosecutors, investigators, and counsellors are well-equipped to help you in a trauma-informed, survivor-centered manner," the district attorney's office said on Saturday in urging accusers to come forward. A day after declaring the allegations "false," Swalwell launches the investigation. The married father-of-three added, "I have served the public for nearly 20 years, as a prosecutor and a congressman, and have always protected women." "I will defend myself with the facts and where necessary bring legal action."

READ MORE: Calls grow for Swalwell to quit California governor race after sexual assault allegations

The San Francisco Chronicle published the first public claim against Swalwell on Friday. A former staff member told the newspaper that shortly after being hired to work in his district office in Castro Valley, Swalwell began making inappropriate comments, including soliciting her for sex and sending her sexual messages.

 The woman told the Chronicle that Swalwell had assaulted her twice. She told the newspaper the first alleged incident happened in September 2019 after they had gone out for drinks.

 She said the second alleged assault occurred in 2024, when she said she met Swalwell after a charity gala in New York.  She claimed that she was too drunk to consent on both occasions. Although her attorney has been contacted for comment, the BBC has not been able to independently verify her account or identity. Four women's allegations of sexual misconduct against Swalwell were then published by CNN. According to the broadcaster, his legal team has sent cease-and-desist letters to two of the accusers.

In a Facebook video message, Swalwell denied the allegations once more and stated that he wanted the public to hear directly from him. "I do not suggest to you that I am perfect or a saint," he said.  I've undoubtedly erred in judgment in the past. But I and my wife are to blame for those errors. And to her, I apologise deeply for putting her in this position."

 Swalwell's campaign for governor of California had lost the support of prominent supporters as soon as the allegations were made public, including Senator Adam Schiff and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries. California's outgoing Governor Gavin Newsom said the allegations were "deeply troubling", while former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said it was "best" they were investigated "outside of a gubernatorial campaign".

 Swalwell's congressional and campaign aides said in an unsigned statement on Saturday that they were "horrified" by the allegations, US media report.

 The statement said, "We stand with our former colleague and the other women who have come forward." "We think you should join them in standing." "The behaviour detailed in these reports is abhorrent, beneath the dignity of those serving in public office and betrays the trust of all Californians."

 The allegations come to light just a few weeks before voters receive their postal ballots, at a pivotal time in the wide-open Democratic primary race to succeed Newsom and lead the nation's most populous state, which has elected a Democrat to the position for the past 20 years.

Two opinion polls indicate that Swalwell is expected to be one of the Democratic candidates' front-runners. However, the crowded Democratic field has yet to produce a clear leader, putting the party at risk of splitting the liberal state's vote. That has raised a terrible possibility for Democrats: if the two Republican candidates finish ahead of them in the primary in June, they could be eliminated from the general election in November. Regardless of party preference, the primary's top two finishers advance to the general election on November 3.

Source: BBC