(NewsNation) — GOP Ohio Rep. Dave Taylor has denounced a “vile and deeply inappropriate symbol” found in his Washington, D.C., congressional office Tuesday.
The symbol was an American flag altered to include a swastika, a spokesperson for Taylor said.
“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. No further comment will be provided until it has been completed.”
The flag was spotted pinned on a bulletin board behind one of Taylor’s staff during a virtual meeting. The staffer at the desk was Taylor’s legislative correspondent, Angelo Elia, according to POLITICO. Elia has worked in Taylor’s office since January.
Taylor’s office called the presence of the flag an act of “vandalism.”
The matter is being investigated by the Capitol Police.