A U.S. congressman from Ohio said a photo of an American flag altered with the image of a swastika in his Capitol office was a “ploy” used by someone to discredit him and other Republican leaders.
Congressman Dave Taylor is a conservative Republican representing Ohio’s 2nd District in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Taylor, whose district includes Clermont and other southern Ohio counties, said in an emailed statement on Oct. 16 that several Republican lawmakers had been “targeted” with flags altered to include Nazi symbols.
“New details have emerged from a systematic investigation into the despicable symbol that appeared in my office,” Taylor’s statement read. “We have confirmed that a number of Republican offices were targeted by unknown groups and individuals who distributed American flags with similar symbols on them. Initially, they were indistinguishable from regular American flags to the naked eye. My office was one of the offices targeted in this ruse.”
A photo shared on social media by left-wing Ohio political blogger DJ Burns and Politico shows a flag hanging behind the desk of Angelo Elia, Taylor’s legislative correspondent. According to Barnes’ social media post, the photo was a screenshot taken during a video call with Elia.
Mr. Taylor did not say in his statement that Mr. Elia was still employed by his office.
“After a full internal investigation, we are confident that no employee in this office would intentionally display such a vile image, and the flag in question was immediately removed once the hidden symbol was discovered,” the statement said. “As I have said previously, I unequivocally condemn hate in any form and continue to work with the Capitol Police and the House Administration Committee to uncover further details in this investigation.”
Taylor’s office initially called the flag “vandalism”
Taylor’s office sent an emailed press statement on Wednesday, Oct. 15, in response to the “vandalism” and “despicable and highly inappropriate symbols” at his office. About 10 minutes later, a photo of the altered American flag was posted online.
Taylor said in a statement Thursday that the flag was initially “indistinguishable” from a regular American flag. The Enquirer asked Taylor’s publicist to send photos or videos of the flag showing how it looks different from what was seen in social media posts. The Enquirer also asked if other lawmakers had found the flag in their offices. A Taylor spokesperson did not immediately respond to these emails.
Who is Congressman Dave Taylor?
Taylor won a crowded Republican primary last year to replace former U.S. Rep. Brad Wenstrup to represent Ohio’s 2nd Congressional District. His first term began in January.
Taylor, who grew up in Amelia, Ohio, also owns his family’s concrete company, Sardinia Ready Mix.
