Fifth Woman Accuses Congressman Eric Swalwell of Sexual Assault Amid Resignation
A fifth woman has publicly accused California Congressman Eric Swalwell of sexual assault, adding to the mounting allegations that have prompted his announced resignation from the House of Representatives. Lonna Drewes, speaking alongside her attorneys at a press conference in Beverly Hills, detailed harrowing claims of being drugged and raped by Swalwell in 2018 following a restaurant opening event.
Graphic Allegations of Violence and Loss of Consciousness
Drewes alleged that Swalwell not only raped her but also choked her during the assault, leading to a terrifying loss of consciousness. "While he was choking me, I lost consciousness. I thought I died," she stated, underscoring the severity of the incident. Her account emerged just as another alleged victim, Annika Albrecht, came forward in a CBS interview aired on Tuesday morning, expressing her relief at avoiding a potentially dangerous encounter with Swalwell in a hotel room.
Albrecht remarked, "For me, justice won't be until he can't ever harm a woman ever again, and he has faced the consequences for the women that he has harmed." She noted that the invitation to meet Swalwell in a hotel room carried a clear connotation, leaving her reflecting on her luck in not attending. With at least five women now accusing Swalwell of sexual misconduct, including rape, assault, and unsolicited messages, the scandal has intensified.
Swalwell's Political Downfall and Denials
Swalwell announced on Monday that he will resign his Congressional seat, a move that follows his suspension from the California governor's race on Sunday. In a statement, he apologized to his family, staff, and constituents for "mistakes in judgment" but insisted the allegations are false, vowing to fight them. Pressure had been mounting since Friday when the San Francisco Chronicle published a bombshell report with multiple accusations, including from a former staffer who told CNN Swalwell raped her while she was drunk and did not stop despite her resistance.
Despite his denial, Swalwell's political career has rapidly unraveled. He warned against an immediate expulsion vote without due process, but Florida Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna vowed on Tuesday to press ahead with her resolution calling for his expulsion, dismissing his resignation plan as "not binding and is wormy." Luna hinted at more damaging information emerging, referencing a circulated video on X showing Swalwell in bed with a woman and others present, which contrasts with his marriage to Brittany Watts and their three children.
Calls for Resignation and Expulsion Intensify
Both Luna and Democratic Women's Caucus Chair Teresa Leger Fernández of New Mexico are urging Swalwell to resign or face an expulsion vote. The allegations have sparked a broader conversation about accountability in Congress, with Swalwell's departure not stemming the flow of accusations. As the scandal deepens, the focus remains on ensuring justice for the accusers and preventing further harm, with Swalwell's future in politics hanging in the balance amid ongoing investigations and public outcry.
