Capitol Police Open Investigation into Swastika Flag Incident
The U.S. Capitol Police are reportedly investigating after a flag bearing a swastika was discovered inside the office of Republican Representative Dave Taylor of Ohio. The image circulating in media reports shows a modified flag with red and white stripes arranged to resemble the Nazi symbol. The flag appeared behind a staff member during a virtual meeting, with other items such as a pocket constitution and a congressional calendar pinned nearby.
Politico obtained the image, which was captured in what appears to be a cubicle wall in Taylor’s Cannon Building suite on Capitol Hill. It remains unclear whether the employee pictured, Angelo Elia, had any personal involvement with the flag or its display. Taylor issued a statement condemning the symbol and directing an internal review alongside Capitol Police, stating that the content does not reflect the values of his office and staff. He characterized the event as potentially “foul play or vandalism” and said the investigation is ongoing.
“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 an interview with the Cincinnati Enquirer. “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. Upon learning of this matter, I immediately directed a thorough investigation alongside Capitol Police, which remains ongoing.”
According to Taylor’s office, the flag was found Tuesday afternoon inside his Cannon Building suite. The spokesperson described the discovery as suspicious and speculated that the act could have been “foul play or vandalism.” The office did not immediately provide additional details about any suspects or potential motives.
The Capitol Police public information office did not offer further comment when contacted by The Guardian, noting that its routine operations are affected by a federal government funding pause. A statement indicated the office was “closed for routine business” during the government shutdown that began on October 1, with a promise to reopen once funding is secured.
This incident comes on the heels of broader concerns raised by Politico about a Telegram chat in which Young Republican leaders reportedly exchanged racist comments, mocked the Holocaust, and expressed admiration for Adolf Hitler. The juxtaposition of that report with the flag incident has drawn renewed attention to the presence of extremist symbols and rhetoric within some political circles, intensifying scrutiny of how such material circulates within party networks and government offices.
Experts note that the mere display of extremist symbols in a congressional office is a serious breach of conduct and an affront to constituents who expect respectful, inclusive representation. Legal and ethical debates continue over how such displays should be handled within a legislative environment, where staffers are expected to uphold norms of professionalism and neutrality.
As the investigation progresses, lawmakers, watchdog groups, and the public will be watching to see what, if any, disciplinary actions are taken and what steps Taylor’s office will implement to prevent future violations. The incident underscores ongoing concerns about the presence of extremist symbolism in political spaces and the need for clear policies to address such displays quickly and transparently.
What’s Next
Capitol Police are expected to complete their inquiry and coordinate with Congressional authorities. Updates will likely focus on any findings about how the symbol ended up in the office and who may have been responsible, as well as any policy changes to prevent similar incidents in the future.
