GOP Rep Taylor says Capitol Police to investigate US flag with swastika in his congressional office

U.S. Capitol Police is reportedly investigating the matter of a U.S. flag with a swastika on it found inside the congressional office of Ohio GOP Rep. Dave Taylor.

The matter was first reported by POLITICO. The media outlet obtained an image of the flag taken during a virtual meeting that shows the flag pinned to what looks like a cubicle wall behind one of Taylor’s staffers, Angelo Elia.

A spokesperson for Taylor's office said Capitol Police were called about the flag, which was discovered on Tuesday, and that the congressman thinks the swastika being added is the result of “foul play or vandalism.”

The police department could not be reached to confirm such an investigation. The department sent POLITICO an automatic reply in response to a request for comment, saying the office is closed because of the government shutdown.

“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," Taylor said.

The congressman also said he “immediately” directed the investigation and that no further comment would be provided until the probe has been completed.

It is unclear whether Elia, a legislative correspondent in Taylor’s office since January, had any role in the incident. He did not immediately respond to the outlet's request for comment on Wednesday.