(The Hill) – On Wednesday, Rep. Dave Taylor (R-Ohio) denounced a troubling symbol discovered on the wall of his office in Washington, D.C., reportedly a swastika superimposed on a U.S. flag.
“I have been made aware of an image that seems to display a reprehensible and utterly inappropriate symbol near one of my office’s employees,” Taylor stated. “This image is completely contrary to the values and standards upheld by my office, my staff, and myself, and I denounce it in the most unequivocal terms.”
“Once I was informed about this issue, I immediately initiated a comprehensive investigation in collaboration with Capitol Police, which is still underway,” Taylor added. “No further comments will be issued until the investigation is concluded.”
The Hill sought a statement from Capitol Police; however, an automated response indicated that the public information office is currently closed for “routine business” due to the government shutdown.
The Hill also contacted Taylor’s office and his campaign team for their remarks.
Politico received a photograph, also circulated by an Ohio political blogger, showing a member of Taylor’s staff standing with an American flag featuring a swastika at its center, displayed on a wall.
The incident follows reporting by Politico on Tuesday about a group chat of leaders with the Young Republican National Foundation that contained racist and xenophobic language.
Messages contained variations of the N-word, one called rape “epic” and others suggested putting political rivals in gas chambers.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) called on the the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee to investigate the messages, while New York Gov. Kathy Hochul called on those leaders and members who reportedly sent the messages to resign.
Vermont Gov. Phil Scott (R) demanded one state senator, who Politico reported was a member of one of the Young Republicans chats, to resign.
Vice President JD Vance called the messages “edgy offensive jokes” and said he will “not join the pearl clutching when people call for political violence,” referring to leaked text messages from Virginia Democratic attorney general nominee Jay Jones.
