U.S. Capitol Police were called to investigate a disturbing discovery inside the Capitol Hill office of Representative Dave Taylor (R-OH) on Tuesday afternoon: an American flag altered to feature a swastika.
The altered flag was found displayed inside Taylor’s office in the Cannon Building. An image obtained by POLITICO, reportedly taken during a virtual meeting, shows the flag pinned to a cubicle wall behind Angelo Elia, a legislative correspondent on Taylor’s staff.
The image shows the flag with its red and white lines reshaped to form the hateful symbol. Other items, including a pocket Constitution and a congressional calendar, were pinned nearby.
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Representative Taylor swiftly condemned the discovery and immediately initiated an investigation.
“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. “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 confirmed he has directed a thorough investigation, working in conjunction with the U.S. Capitol Police.
A spokesperson for Taylor’s office told POLITICO that the Congressman believes the incident may be the result of “foul play or vandalism.” Taylor has stated no further comment will be provided until the investigation is complete.
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