Ashland Police officers discovered the leaflets posted near Railroad Avenue at around 6:40 a.m. on Sunday.
As well as the Nazi symbol, the fliers also contained the message: “We are everywhere.”
There were no other reports of vandalism or criminal behavior, police said in a news release.
Ashland Police shared the incident with state and federal law enforcement partners “in case this incident has connections to recent regional events,” the release added.
There were fears that there could be large protest in Virginia this weekend, including at the state Capitol, which ultimately never came to fruition.
The FBI warned that there could be protests at all 50 state capitols leading up to the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden on January 20.
In a statement, Ashland Mayor Steve Trivett said: “I want to reply to those who littered our Town: We will pick up the trash you dropped.
“Ashlanders will never be intimidated or influenced by any of the sour and sick extremisms that desire power yet deserve none. In Ashland we reserve our ’extremisms’ for compassion, fellowship, and respect for others.”
Ashland Police Chief Doug Goodman added: “This action is despicable.
“This brand of hate and division has no place in Ashland or anywhere else. We will continue to investigate this case and pursue enforcement actions as allowed by the Code of Virginia.”
Security camera footage captured a number of people “lurking around the downtown corridor just after 3 a.m.” on Sunday morning, police said.
Ashland Police are now encouraging businesses in the area to review their own security camera footage from the early hours of Sunday, and note anything of value to this investigation to police.
Posting on Facebook, Rachel Levy, candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates, wrote: “Much appreciation to the Ashland, Virginia Police Department for addressing this very serious incident swiftly and thoroughly.
“Sadly, incidents like these are far too common in the 55th District, and there has been an uptick in their occurrence across the region in recent days. I am sorry for the fear and pain they cause. Please be vigilant and careful, especially in the coming days.”
Ashland Police has been contacted for further comment.
Anyone with information about this incident should contact the Ashland Police Department at (804) 365-6140 or leave a tip at https://www.ashlandva.gov/224/Crime-Tips. Anyone providing crime tip information can remain anonymous.
Correction 1/18/21, 05:36 a.m. ET: This article incorrectly stated the incident took place in Ashland, Oregon. It occurred in Virginia.
