The U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, Jeanine Pirro, announced Wednesday the establishment of a confidential tip line for information pertaining to sexual misconduct allegations against former California Representative Eric Swalwell. The move comes as Swalwell resigned from Congress following bipartisan pressure and the emergence of accusations from five women.
"If you have knowledge of an individual allegedly involved in drugging, choking, or raping victims, particularly someone who has resided in this district for an extended period, it is reasonable to believe other victims or witnesses may exist," Pirro stated in a video released on social media. She urged anyone with relevant information or complaints to contact her office, assuring confidentiality for all submissions.
Pirro emphasized her office's investigative resources and partnerships with other agencies. "We have all kinds of resources and have partnered with other agencies," she said. "I want potential victims, witnesses, or anyone with information to come to my office or call the hotline at 202-252-0809."
Multiple Investigations Underway
This federal development coincides with confirmed criminal investigations by the Manhattan and Los Angeles District Attorneys' offices. Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg has directed individuals with information to contact his Special Victims Division, while Los Angeles DA Nathan Hochman confirmed his Sex Crimes Division is actively collaborating with law enforcement partners as their probe continues.
Swalwell has consistently denied all allegations. The accusations include detailed accounts from a former staffer, reported by the San Francisco Chronicle, describing waking up after drinking with Swalwell and alleging sexual assault in a hotel room. The political fallout has been swift and severe, triggering what some are calling a renewed #MeToo reckoning within Congress.
Political Collapse and Allegations of Motive
Swalwell's political standing disintegrated rapidly. He suspended his campaign for California governor, where he was considered a frontrunner, and subsequently resigned from the House. His departure follows bipartisan calls for his expulsion and leaves Democratic leadership managing the aftermath.
Senator Ruben Gallego, a close friend and former campaign chair for Swalwell's presidential bid, expressed profound betrayal. "This man lived a double life," Gallego told reporters. "He lied to us. He lied to his family. He lied to his constituents. I was manipulated, I was lied to, and everyone else was, too."
Swalwell's attorney, Sara Azari, has characterized the timing of the allegations as politically motivated. In a televised interview, she labeled it a "political hit-job," suggesting the revelations were strategically deployed to damage his gubernatorial campaign. "If the timing seems conspicuous, it's because it's no coincidence this is happening on the eve of a governor's race where he was leading," Azari argued.
The establishment of a formal DOJ tip line significantly escalates the legal scrutiny surrounding the former congressman. It provides a structured channel for evidence gathering parallel to the state-level criminal investigations already announced. The scandal has also prompted broader congressional discussions about accountability, with some members, like Representative Lauren Boebert, calling for the revocation of Swalwell's congressional pension.
