FBI Director Kash Patel invited Eric Swalwell to discuss with the agency "any information he has" regarding the sexual misconduct allegations against him.
Patel issued the call on social media late Monday, hours after the California Democrat announced his resignation from Congress amid mounting allegations from multiple women.
".@EricSwalwell has maintained that none of the allegations against him are true, and now that he's resigned, we would welcome him to sit down with the FBI and share any information he has," Patel wrote on X.
He added that the bureau is also encouraging "any person with relevant information" to come forward, stressing that the "door is open to all."
The FBI's involvement signals a serious escalation, bringing federal law enforcement into a scandal that had already triggered bipartisan pressure on Capitol Hill.
Swalwell stepped down after at least four women accused him of sexual misconduct, including a former staffer who alleged she was assaulted while intoxicated.
The San Francisco Chronicle reported Friday that the former aide claimed Swalwell raped her in 2024 after a charity event, alleging she repeatedly told him "no" and tried to push him away.
Additional women have accused the congressman of inappropriate behavior, including unwanted explicit messages, CNN reported.
Swalwell has denied the most serious allegations, calling them false, while acknowledging what he described as "mistakes in judgment."
In his resignation statement, he said that remaining in office would distract from serving his constituents, even as he vowed to fight the accusations.
The FBI's outreach introduces a new phase in the controversy, raising the possibility that the matter could extend beyond congressional ethics inquiries into a criminal investigation.
Political analysts say the case could have far-reaching implications for Swalwell’s future and public trust in elected officials.
His resignation is expected to trigger a special election in California's 14th Congressional District, potentially reshaping the political landscape in the state.
Patel's open invitation for cooperation — coupled with a public call for witnesses — reflects an effort to demonstrate transparency and seriousness in addressing the claims.
Charlie McCarthy ✉
Charlie McCarthy, a writer/editor at Newsmax, has nearly 40 years of experience covering news, sports, and politics.
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