Eric Swalwell has categorically denied the sexual assault allegations against him, stating they are false and did not happen. He suggested the timing was politically motivated, noting they were released on the eve of the June 2 primary. Swalwell also acknowledged making mistakes in judgment in his past but said they are between him and his wife.
Specific allegations have emerged from multiple women. A former staffer alleges Eric Swalwell sexually assaulted her twice while she was intoxicated. Lonna Drewes accused Eric Swalwell of drugging and raping her in 2018. Three other women allege various kinds of sexual misconduct by Eric Swalwell, including sending unsolicited explicit messages or nude photos. One woman alleges Eric Swalwell kissed her and touched her leg without consent at a bar and she ended up extremely drunk in his hotel room with little memory of events. Ally Sammarco alleges receiving unsolicited nude messages from Eric Swalwell after reaching out to him on Twitter.
The allegations are flat false. They did not happen.
Legal and investigative responses are underway. The Manhattan District Attorney's Office is investigating a sexual assault allegation against Eric Swalwell. The House Ethics Committee launched an investigation into the claims against Eric Swalwell.
Swalwell has resigned from the governor's race and from his position in Congress. In a personal statement, Eric Swalwell said he would spend time with family and friends and provide an update soon.
These allegations were released on the eve of the June 2 primary.
An attorney for Eric Swalwell sent cease-and-desist letters to two of the women, calling their accounts false and threatening legal action. The attorney's letters claim the women's allegations are undermined by their voluntary relationships with Eric Swalwell after the alleged incidents. The attorney denies Eric Swalwell has ever had nonconsensual sex or sexual relations with any staff member. Eric Swalwell sent cease-and-desist letters to two accusers.
Prominent Democrats, including Nancy Pelosi and Gavin Newsom, have condemned Eric Swalwell or called for him to step aside. Some Democratic lawmakers are calling for Eric Swalwell's expulsion from the House of Representatives.
I have made mistakes in judgment in my past, but those are between me and my wife.
Senator Ruben Gallego denied knowledge of Eric Swalwell's alleged misconduct but said he had heard Swalwell was flirty. Senator Ruben Gallego said Eric Swalwell became very good at being a predator and lied to all of us.
Eric Swalwell's staff issued a statement condemning the alleged behavior and standing with the accusers. One member of Eric Swalwell's staff quit after receiving CNN's detailed questions about the allegations.
I had heard he was flirty, but I had no knowledge of any misconduct.
FBI Director Kash Patel invited Eric Swalwell to speak to the FBI about the allegations. Polymarket, a prediction market, allows betting on whether Eric Swalwell will be arrested by the end of May.
A video showed Eric Swalwell partying in a bathrobe on a yacht in St. Tropez in September 2022, adding context to his past behavior.
He became very good at being a predator. He lied to all of us.
In unrelated political context, Rep. Jamie Raskin is requesting a briefing on the results of a cognitive exam for President Trump. Trump has often bragged about his cognitive competence and success with previous tests. The White House has never released a comprehensive report on Trump's cognitive state, and there is a legal compulsion for the White House to respond to the request by House Democrats.
In further unrelated context, there are concerns about the height of a planned Triumphal Arch in Memorial Circle due to its proximity to Washington Reagan National Airport. Renderings of the arch display the words 'One Nation Under God' and feature four large golden lions. Trump was seen with what appeared to be renderings at the Easter Egg Roll. A federal judge requires the Trump administration to give 14 days' notice before beginning construction on the arch, and Judge Tanya Chutkan ordered the National Park Service not to begin construction unless it first publishes a notice on its website.
I will spend time with family and friends and provide an update soon.