By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2024-10-30 17:20:22 | Updated at 2024-10-31 03:22:24
10 hours ago
A machete-wielding teen was arrested after waving the large blade in Democrat voters' faces outside a polling location.
Caleb James Williams, 18, of Neptune Beach, Florida, was seen brandishing the knife outside of the Beaches Branch Library on Tuesday afternoon at voters.
Williams, a registered Republican, and a crew of about seven 16 and 17-year-olds, antagonized voters holding Harris-Walz signs, Duval County Democratic Party Chair Daniel Henry said.
He was arrested around 4pm for aggravated assault and improper exhibition of a weapon after allegedly waving the 18-inch machete at two unnamed women, aged 71 and 54, police said.
During a press conference later that night, Neptune Beach Police Chief Michael J. Key Jr., said Williams and the group 'immediately began antagonizing the opposing political side,' adding 'that was their sole purpose to be there.'
Caleb James Williams, 18, of Neptune Beach, Florida , was seen brandishing the knife outside of the Beaches Branch Library on Tuesday afternoon as Democratic voters
According to police, Williams and the unidentified teens arrived at the voting location, parked their vehicle, and hopped out with Trump flags in their hands.
Witnesses said they were also shouting the former president's name upon their arrival, New York Post reported.
They 'confronted peaceful Harris-Walz sign wavers exercising their First Amendment rights,' police said.
The incident quickly escalated to a verbal disturbance as Williams aggressively whipped out the knife, Keys said.
The woman he allegedly waved the machete towards then called the police. They were not harmed.
Authorities later found the blade in the bed of Williams' truck as he stood next to the vehicle.
Meanwhile, one of the women snapped a photo of the 18-year-old approaching her with the weapon, holding it over his head.
The teenagers that joined Williams were not arrested as they 'did not cross the criminal threshold,' Key said.
Williams, a registered Republican as of last year, was arrested for aggravated assault and improper exhibition of a weapon after allegedly waving the machete at two unnamed women, aged 71 and 54
The chief added that they are not facing charges 'at this point', but the investigation is ongoing.
The image of Williams holding the machete and the weapon itself have been taken into evidence.
Though the library was not evacuated, Williams and his crew caused parking and traffic issues. Police remained at the scene following the incident.
Key said he was proud of the department's 'prompt response' to the incident, but was 'extremely angry' at what took place.
'Ensuring everyone’s right to vote is crucial, and it will not be impeded upon in Neptune Beach or Duval County,' Keys said.
'This goes way beyond expressing freedom of speech. To say your piece is your First Amendment protected right, but that goes out the window the moment you raise a machete over your head in a threatening manner.
'To say I'm disturbed is an understatement. I'm mad that this happened in Neptune Beach.'
He said his department has 'been in constant contact' with Duval County Supervisor of Elections, Jerry Holland, to make sure they can 'ensure the safety' of the voting location with the election just five days away.
The woman he allegedly waved the 18-inch machete (pictured) toward called the police. They were not harmed.
Key (pictured) said he was proud of the department's 'prompt response' to the incident, but was 'extremely angry' at what took place
'It was a safe location to vote today before this incident, and it will continue to remain a safe location to vote,' Key added.
'We’re committed to that, and we’re always committed to looking at plans to make it safer.'
Henry assured all citizens to continue participating 'in civic activities respectfully and lawfully.'
'Violence and intimidation have no place in our democratic process. The Duval County Democratic Party stands with those who seek to express their views peacefully and without fear of reprisal,' he added.
DailyMail.com contacted the Neptune Beach Police Department and Holland for comment.
Under Florida state law, voting intimidation is illegal and considered a felony.
A citizen is not allowed to 'directly or indirectly use or threaten to use force, violence, or intimidation or any tactic of coercion or intimidation to induce or compel an individual.'
Voting intimidation comes in many forms, including verbal or physical confrontation of voters, direct confrontation of questioning of voters, physical intimidation, and occupying a parking lot of a polling center, among others.
