An investigation has been launched after a swastika flag was seen inside a GOP congressman’s office.
Rep. Dave Taylor, a Trump-ally since 2016, said he launched a full investigation in coordination with Capitol Police after the flag, which featured red and white lines arranged in the shape of a swastika, was spotted on a wall in his office during a virtual meeting, POLITICO reported.
The photo was first made public by Ohio politics blogger D.J. Byrnes, who posted a photo of the flag on X that has since been viewed nearly 300,000 times and captioned it: “A friend in DC had a Zoom call with Congressman Dave Taylor’s office today… Taylor’s legislative correspondent, Angelo Elia, had what can only be described as an American swastika flag prominently displayed in his background.”
The photo was first made public by Ohio politics blogger D.J. Byrnes, who posted a photo of the flag on X that has since been viewed nearly 300,000 times and captioned it: “A friend in DC had a Zoom call with Congressman Dave Taylor’s office today… Taylor’s legislative correspondent, Angelo Elia, had what can only be described as an American swastika flag prominently displayed in his background.”
“I am aware of an image that appears to depict a vile and deeply inappropriate symbol near an employee in my office,” Taylor said in a statement he released on his website.“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.”
“No further comment will be provided until it has been completed,” said Taylor, a pro-life conservative who was sworn in this past January.
The Daily Beast has reached out to Taylor and the U.S. Capitol police for comment.
Just before 5 p.m. on Wednesday, reporter Leah Vredenbregt wrote on X: “Just witnessed what I believe are 3 capitol police officers exit Rep. Taylor’s (R-OH) office amid reports of an investigation into a swastika-like American flag pinned to a board. The three men carried large walkie talkies, note pads, multiple phones, etc, consistent w/cap police.”
The photo reportedly shows that the flag appeared near Angelo Elia, one of Taylor’s staffers, though it’s unclear what connection, if any, the aide has to the flag.
Elia, according to his LinkedIn, has been working for the Cincinnati-area congressman started his term. Public records show the George Washington University alum is a registered Democrat.
On LinkedIn, a professional recommendation for Elia reads: “he is EXTREMELY passionate about advocating for populations in need, understanding from a holistic perspective how all politics begin at a grassroots and local level, and is dedicated to improving the lives of those around him.”
The Daily Beast has reached out to Elia for comment.
Next to the flag, a pocket Constitution and a congressional calendar are also visible.
The discovery comes immediately after a leaked Telegram group chat between Republican operatives has provided a chilling glimpse into how racist some of the party’s up-and-coming figures act behind closed doors.
The chat, complete with 251 slurs—including the N-word, “f—-t,” and a declaration of love for Hitler—included “Young Republican” leaders from around the United States, reports POLITICO, which obtained and reviewed thousands of private messages.
The since-resigned vice chair of the New York State Young Republicans, Peter Giunta, was described as “the most prominent voice in the chat spreading racist messages,” according to the outlet.
Some on social media were quick to point out the connection between the two incidents.
“First, [Young Republicans] praise Hitler, then they find a Swastika in Rep. Dave Taylor’s office. Trump’s Republican party is an extension of Hitler’s legacy,” one X user wrote.
