U.S. Capitol Police investigate swastika flag found in Republican congressman’s office
U.S. Capitol Police have launched an investigation after an American flag altered to display a swastika was discovered in the office of Representative Dave Taylor, a Republican from Ohio’s Second Congressional District. The flag, which featured red and white stripes arranged to form the Nazi symbol, was visible behind legislative correspondent Angelo Elia during a virtual meeting on October 14.
Discovery and Initial Response
The modified flag was pinned to a cubicle wall in Taylor’s Cannon House Office Building suite, alongside a pocket Constitution and a congressional calendar. The image first circulated on social media after being captured in a screenshot from what appeared to be a Zoom call with Elia.
“I am aware of an image that appears to depict a vile and deeply inappropriate symbol near an employee in my office. The content of that image does not reflect the values or standards of this office, my staff, or myself, and I condemn it in the strongest terms.”
Representative Taylor stated on October 15 that he immediately directed a thorough investigation alongside Capitol Police upon learning of the matter. His office characterized the incident as “vandalism” and said no further comment would be provided until the investigation concludes.
Claims of Coordinated Targeting
On October 16, Taylor issued a second statement claiming his office was targeted as part of an elaborate “ruse”. According to the congressman, several Republican offices confirmed they received American flags from an unknown source that contained symbols “initially indistinguishable from an ordinary American flag to the naked eye”.
“Numerous Republican offices have confirmed that they were targeted by an unidentified group or individual who distributed American flags bearing a similar symbol, which were initially indistinguishable from an ordinary American flag to the naked eye.”
NBC News reported that multiple Republican congressional offices received flags earlier in the year featuring what sources described as an “optical illusion” swastika embedded in the design. However, as of October 17, no other GOP offices have publicly reported similar incidents.
Taylor did not clarify whether Elia remains employed in his office, but stated he is “confident that no employee of this office would knowingly display such a despicable image”. The flag was reportedly removed immediately upon discovery of the symbol.
Broader Context
The incident emerged days after Politico published a report on October 14 detailing a Telegram chat in which Young Republican leaders exchanged racist comments, mocked the Holocaust, and expressed admiration for Adolf Hitler. That revelation prompted widespread condemnation, with some participants facing calls to resign and at least one member having a job offer revoked.
Taylor, a first-term congressman who represents a district east of Cincinnati, won a competitive primary in 2024 to succeed former Representative Brad Wenstrup. He also manages his family’s concrete business, Sardinia Ready Mix, in Amelia, Ohio.
Investigation Status
When contacted for comment, U.S. Capitol Police issued an automated response indicating the public information office remains closed due to the ongoing federal government shutdown that began on October 1. The office stated it will reopen when federal funding is restored.
Taylor continues to coordinate with Capitol Police and the House Committee on Administration to gather additional information about the incident. The investigation remains ongoing.
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