Who Is Angelo Elia? Dave Taylor’s Staffer at Center of Swastika Flag Controversy

Angelo Elia, a legislative aide to Republican Congressman Dave Taylor of Ohio, is at the center of a political firestorm after a photo showing a swastika-altered American flag in Taylor’s office went viral this week. The image, captured during a virtual meeting, appeared behind Elia and has sparked outrage across Washington.

The incident unfolded on Tuesday when the photo surfaced online and was later reported by Politico. It showed a U.S. flag with its white stripes rearranged into a swastika symbol hanging behind Elia during a video call. The flag was spotted inside Taylor’s office in the Cannon House Office Building, prompting swift condemnation and an official investigation.

The image shows a flag pinned to what appears to be a cubicle wall behind Angelo Elia, a staffer for Rep. Dave Taylor, during a virtual meeting, according to a report by Politico. (Image credit: X)

Who Is Angelo Elia and What Is His Role?

According to LegiStorm, Angelo Elia serves as a legislative correspondent for Rep. Dave Taylor, advising him on key policy areas such as economics, public finance, housing, community development, and government operations. He joined Taylor’s office in January 2025 and has since been involved in drafting legislative materials and liaising with constituents on complex legal issues.

Elia’s name entered the spotlight after the controversial image surfaced during a routine virtual meeting. Behind him, a U.S. flag with a swastika design appeared on a cupboard, alongside a framed copy of the Constitution and a congressional calendar. The image spread rapidly across social media before being covered by national outlets, raising questions about how the symbol appeared in a congressional office.

While Elia has not made any public statement, there is no evidence so far that he was directly involved in placing or creating the altered flag. Reports note that he may have been unaware of its presence during the meeting. Still, the optics of the image and its association with a congressional office have ignited fierce criticism and debate online.

Investigation and Reactions from Dave Taylor

Rep. Dave Taylor responded quickly after the image went public, calling the swastika flag “vile” and denouncing it “in the strongest terms.” In a statement, he said, “The content of that image does not reflect the values or standards of this office, my staff, or myself.” Taylor confirmed that his office is cooperating with U.S. Capitol Police to investigate the incident.

According to a spokesperson, preliminary findings suggest the symbol may have been the result of vandalism or an external act intended to discredit the office. “We are taking this matter extremely seriously,” the spokesperson said, adding that further details will emerge as the investigation continues.

The flag was found in Taylor’s office located at 325 Cannon House Office Building in Washington, D.C. Capitol Police have not yet commented publicly on the status of their inquiry.

Political Fallout and Broader Implications

The controversy has quickly escalated into a wider political debate about extremism and symbolism in U.S. politics. Critics argue that the presence of a Nazi symbol — even if accidental or maliciously planted — in a congressional office is deeply troubling and raises serious security and accountability questions.

Some political figures have called for a full review of internal office security and a transparent explanation from Taylor’s team. Others have warned against premature conclusions, urging patience until the investigation is complete. The incident also comes amid heightened tensions in Washington, where debates about hate symbols, free speech, and political extremism remain deeply polarizing.

For now, Angelo Elia remains employed as a legislative aide, and no disciplinary action has been announced. The investigation into how the swastika flag appeared in Dave Taylor’s office is ongoing, with more details expected in the coming days.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Who is Angelo Elia?

Angelo Elia is a legislative correspondent for Rep. Dave Taylor of Ohio, advising on public finance, housing, and government policy. He joined the office in January 2025.

Q2: Why is Angelo Elia under scrutiny?

Elia appeared in a viral image with a swastika-altered U.S. flag behind him during a virtual meeting, sparking outrage and an ongoing investigation.

Q3: What did Dave Taylor say about the incident?

Taylor condemned the image as “vile” and said it does not represent his office’s values. He confirmed that Capitol Police are investigating.

Q4: Where is Taylor’s office located?

Rep. Dave Taylor’s office is in the 325 Cannon House Office Building in Washington, D.C., where the incident occurred.

Q5: What happens next in the investigation?

The Capitol Police investigation is ongoing. Officials have suggested vandalism as a possible cause, but no final conclusions have been reached.