Disgraced former Congressman Eric Swalwell's longtime best friend, Ruben Gallego, is facing renewed scrutiny over questionable decision-making in his past, according to a new report. While on an official trip to Bogotá, Colombia, last summer, Arizona's junior Senator Ruben Gallego stayed out late at a nightclub and invited embassy staff to join him, despite warnings of a credible threat to his life, sources told NOTUS.
Gallego and Ohio's Republican Senator Bernie Moreno were in Colombia to discuss bilateral relations, crime, business, and China's influence, per a press release about the visit. However, Gallego's conduct raised concerns among US officials. One female embassy staffer told the State Department that Gallego asked her to come out. There is no allegation that Gallego acted inappropriately. Moreno did not attend the dinner or club, per NOTUS.
Near the end of the trip, embassy staff received a credible threat report and alerted Gallego's security team. While at dinner, Gallego was informed of it but chose to stay out. Afterward, he walked to a nightclub and stayed out until 3am, per sources who spoke with NOTUS.
A Gallego spokesperson told NOTUS that the senator had 'coordinated closely with embassy security throughout the trip, including on the evening in question, and followed all security guidance.' 'While at dinner at the conclusion of a successful congressional delegation trip, the Senator and his Chief of Staff invited Embassy staff to join them, a common way to recognize the work of those who support these visits,' the spokesperson added.
Gallego and Moreno are both of Colombian descent. Moreno was born in Colombia. Gallego was born in Chicago to a Colombian mother and a Mexican father.
Gallego has come under increased scrutiny in recent weeks due to his longtime friendship with Eric Swalwell, a former congressman and candidate for California governor this year. At least five women have accused Swalwell of sexual misconduct, including rape, sexual assault, and sending unsolicited messages and photographs. Swalwell announced last Monday that he would resign his seat in Congress after being engulfed by the scandal. The Democrat, who had suspended his campaign for California governor only the day before, apologized to his family and staff while insisting the claims are false.
Gallego, Arizona's junior senator, held a press conference in his office last week during which he claimed he had no knowledge of Swalwell's inappropriate behavior, even though he had heard that Swalwell was 'flirty.' He broke down in tears at one point, insisting that he 'trusted' his friend. 'And it hurts, the fact that he hurt a lot of people, and it pisses me off that now we all have to deal with all of his BS, his family, the poor victims that are still going to have to seek justice,' Gallego said. Turning on his longtime friend and colleague, he said that Swalwell 'became very good at being a predator.' He also noted that Swalwell 'lied to all of us' during his time on the House Judiciary Committee, where he was an active voice in the push to impeach Donald Trump. The two men have been close throughout their time in Congress, with their families on friendly terms.
