WASHINGTON — An Ohio lawmaker said a flag with a swastika displayed in his D.C. office was the result of a "ruse" that targeted "numerous Republican offices."
Photos posted on social media showed an American flag with its red and white lines altered into the shape of a swastika in the middle behind one of Rep. Dave Taylor's congressional staffers during a virtual meeting.
NEW: An American flag altered to include an image of a swastika was found inside the office of Ohio Rep. Dave Taylor, who told @politico's @sambbenson he immediately called for an investigation. (The blast radius of @JasonBeeferman mega scoop is big.)https://t.co/8cPxmF79rx
— Sally Goldenberg (@SallyGold) October 15, 2025
Taylor — who represents Ohio's 2nd congressional district featuring Adams, Brown, Clermont and Highland counties — called the symbol "a despicable image" in a statement Thursday.
He confirmed Capitol Police were investigating the flag, but said his office also conducted a "full-scale internal investigation" that determined "no employee of this office would knowingly display" the flag.
"As I've said previously, I unequivocally condemn hate in any form and continue to collaborate with Capitol Police and the Committee on House Administration to uncover additional details in this investigation," Taylor said in a statement.
WATCH: We spoke to area residents to hear their reactions to the incident
Taylor said he also believes his office was one of "numerous Republican offices" targeted by people handing out flags "bearing a similar symbol, which were initially indistinguishable from an ordinary American flag to the naked eye."
Politico reported that a GOP staffer from a different office said similar flags were delivered to multiple congressional offices. However, the staffer said "it was plainly obvious to us that there was a swastika on the flag with the naked eye."
Taylor provided an update on the investigation Thursday evening, saying "numerous Republican officers have confirmed that they were targeted by an unidentified group or individual who distributed American flags bearing a similar symbol, which were initially indistinguishable from an ordinary American flag to the naked eye."
It is unclear how long the flag had been displayed in Taylor's office before it was noticed by outsiders. We have asked to speak with the representative, but have only received statements at this time.
The photos come just days after Politico reported on leaked messages from leaders of the Young Republicans in Arizona, Vermont, Kansas and New York that include slurs, praise of Hitler and jokes about slavery and rape.
The Young Republican National Federation consists of Republican Party members between the ages of 18 and 40. According to Politico, many of the leaders involved in the group chat have since left their positions. The groups' board of directors said in a statement that all involved "must immediately resign from all positions within their state and local Young Republican organizations."
"We are appalled by the vile and inexcusable language revealed in the Politico article published today. Such behavior is disgraceful, unbecoming of any Republican, and stands in direct opposition to the values our movement represents," the YRNF Board of Directors said in a statement.
