FBI Director Kash Patel has invited former Rep. Eric Swalwell to share information with the bureau following his resignation from Congress. Swalwell, who announced his resignation on Monday, has faced mounting allegations of sexual misconduct and ties to a suspected Chinese spy. Patel extended the invitation via social media, stating that Swalwell has denied all allegations but encouraging him to come forward with any relevant information. The FBI also welcomed others with pertinent details to contact the bureau.
Swalwell, a seven-term congressman, has denied the sexual misconduct allegations, calling them "absolutely false" in a video statement. He acknowledged past "mistakes in judgment" but vowed to fight the accusations. The allegations include claims of sexual assault and inappropriate behavior toward multiple women, including a former staffer. The House Ethics Committee launched an investigation, and a potential expulsion vote was discussed before his resignation.
Swalwell's resignation also reignited scrutiny over his past relationship with Christine Fang, a suspected Chinese operative. Reports indicate the FBI informed Swalwell about Fang's activities in 2015, leading to the end of their relationship. Critics have called for the release of FBI files related to Fang, with some suggesting Congress should vote to declassify them, similar to the Jeffrey Epstein case files. Swalwell had been a leading Democratic candidate for California governor before dropping out of the race amid the allegations.
The FBI's invitation comes amid a long-standing feud between Patel and Swalwell, who served on opposite sides of the House Intelligence Committee during investigations into Russian interference in the 2016 election. Patel has previously criticized Swalwell in his book "Government Gangsters," listing him among "corrupt actors."