(The Hill) – Rep. Dave Taylor (R-Ohio) on Wednesday condemned a symbol on the wall of his Washington, D.C., office, which was reportedly a swastika in the middle of a U.S. flag.
“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.”
“Upon learning of this matter, I immediately directed a thorough investigation alongside Capitol Police, which remains ongoing,” Taylor said. “No further comment will be provided until it has been completed.”
The Hill has reached out to Capitol Police for comment. An automated email response said the public information office is closed for “routine business” during the government shutdown.
The Hill also reached out to Taylor’s office and campaign team for comment.
Politico obtained an image also shared by an Ohio political blogger that showed one of Taylor’s staffers photographed with an American flag containing a swastika depicted in the middle pinned 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.
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