A shocking controversy has erupted in Washington after a photo surfaced showing a morphed American flag with a swastika displayed behind Angelo Elia, a legislative correspondent for Ohio Republican Congressman Dave Taylor, during a virtual meeting. The incident has triggered a Capitol Police investigation and ignited fierce debate about hate symbols in government spaces.
Viral Image Sparks Outrage
The scandal broke when a photo of Elia on a Zoom call, with the altered flag pinned to a cubicle wall behind his desk, was posted online by D.J. Byrnes, who runs the Ohio political blog
The Rooster. The image quickly went viral, drawing condemnation from both sides of the political aisle and prompting immediate action from Rep. Taylor’s office.
Taylor, who represents Ohio, issued a forceful statement:
“I am aware of an image that appears to depict a vile and deeply inappropriate symbol near an employee in my office. 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.” He characterized the incident as possible vandalism and confirmed that the
U.S. Capitol Police are investigating.
Who Is Angelo Elia?
Angelo Elia, a
2023 graduate of Youngstown State University and a native of Struthers, Ohio, joined Taylor’s office as a legislative correspondent in January 2025. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science and recently earned a master’s degree in legislative affairs from George Washington University. Before moving to Washington, Elia was active in progressive politics, serving as president of the Mahoning County Young Democrats and working for local consulting firms.
His background has added a layer of complexity to the controversy, with former colleagues expressing shock.
“He was very progressive minded when I knew him. It’s disgusting. It’s disturbing and I absolutely don’t condone it,” said Anthony Stratis, former managing partner at Blue Phoenix Strategies, where Elia previously worked.
What Happened in the Office?
According to reports, the
altered flag—which replaced the white stripes of the American flag with a swastika—was visible behind Elia during a virtual meeting. The flag was pinned to a cupboard or cubicle wall, alongside a photo of the U.S. Constitution and a congressional calendar. The House Administration Committee is also investigating the incident.
It remains unclear whether Elia had any direct role in placing the flag. Taylor’s office has suggested the possibility of vandalism, but no official findings have been released as of this writing.
Political Fallout and Public Reaction
The incident has fueled broader concerns about the presence of hate symbols in government offices. Congressional staffers and representatives have voiced alarm, and the public has demanded transparency about how the flag appeared and who was responsible.
Taylor’s swift condemnation and the ongoing investigation signal the seriousness with which the matter is being treated. The controversy comes at a time of heightened political tension, with both parties sensitive to accusations of extremism and hate speech.
What’s Next?
-
Capitol Police and the House Administration Committee are actively investigating the incident.
- No evidence has yet been made public implicating Elia in intentionally displaying the flag.
- The scandal has prompted renewed calls for vigilance against hate symbols in public institutions.
This story is still developing, and further details are expected as the investigation progresses.
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