FBI agents confronted former Rep. Eric Swalwell at San Francisco International Airport on August 15, seizing his cellphone and laptop as part of a federal criminal investigation. Footage obtained by the California Post shows agents meeting Swalwell as he deplaned.
This incident occurred amid escalating scrutiny over Swalwell's past relationship with Christine "Fang Fang" Fang, a suspected Chinese intelligence operative. Declassified documents released by the White House Government Transparency task force indicate Swalwell told FBI agents he had "physical relations" with Fang on several occasions, with their last sexual encounter reportedly in March 2015.
Swalwell was initially interviewed by the FBI regarding his relationship with Fang in May 2015 and again in March 2016. Fang has been described by U.S. officials as having suspected ties to China’s Ministry of State Security.
In April, Swalwell resigned from Congress after 13 years, following allegations of sexual misconduct, which he has denied. He also withdrew from the California gubernatorial race. At least five women, including a former staffer, have accused Swalwell of sexual misconduct or rape. At the time of his resignation, Swalwell stated, "I will fight the serious false allegations made against me. However, I must take responsibility and ownership for the mistakes I did make."
The FBI also searched Swalwell's Washington, D.C., home the day after the airport encounter, according to previous reporting.
The events at the airport have drawn criticism and mockery on social media, with figures like former Rep. George Santos and accounts such as Catturd commenting on the situation. Social media users also remarked on Swalwell's attire in the video.