Investigation Launched Against Congressman Over Assault Allegations
The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office is conducting a criminal probe into a congressman following allegations from a former staff member who claims he sexually assaulted her in a hotel room in New York City.
In a statement released on Saturday, Congressman Alvin Bragg’s office appealed to the public for information, encouraging those with knowledge of the case to reach out to the Special Victims Unit at 212-335-9373. “Our specially trained prosecutors, investigators, and counselors are prepared to assist in a trauma-informed and survivor-centered manner,” the spokesperson stated.
While the identity of the accuser remains confidential, reports indicate that after a charity event in April 2024, she found herself in a hotel bed with the congressman on top of her, despite her protests. “I was saying no and pushing him away,” she recounted, asserting that he did not stop.
The former aide had left Swalwell’s office prior to the incident in New York, as per CNN. Her claims are part of a broader pattern, as she is one of four women who have recently come forward with accusations against him.
This same individual alleged that a prior incident occurred in September 2019 when she was just 21 and working at the Castro Valley district office. She reported waking up next to Swalwell without clothes and has no memories of how she got there.
The implications of these allegations extend beyond Manhattan. The Alameda County Attorney’s Office is also looking into the possibility of any misconduct occurring in their jurisdiction related to the 2019 incident.
Swalwell has strongly denied all allegations. In a video posted on social media, he expressed that the claims were “completely false” and vowed to vigorously contest them, stating, “They didn’t happen. They never happened.”
House Democratic leaders, including Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, are urging a swift investigation and are calling on Swalwell to withdraw from the gubernatorial race. Additionally, Republican Rep. Anna Paulina Luna announced plans to introduce a motion aimed at expelling Swalwell from Congress permanently.
