Caleb James Williams: Florida man arrested with machete for voter intimidation at polling places

An 18-year-old was arrested outside a polling place in Florida on Tuesday after police said he wielded a machete to intimidate voters.

Caleb James Williams is charged with aggravated assault on a person 65 years of age or older and improper display of a firearm or dangerous weapon.

At a press conference after the arrest, Neptune Beach Police Chief Michael J. Key said Williams “waved a machete above his head in an aggressive, threatening posture” at two women, ages 71 and 54.

Williams was accompanied by seven other male teenagers, aged 16 and 17, who police said went to the Beaches Branch Library “to protest and oppose the opposing political side”.

“The group was only there with malicious intent to cause unrest,” Key said. “This is not solely an incident protected by the First Amendment, but rather an incident where they were simply there to cause a disturbance.”

None of the other teens are currently facing charges, but Key said the investigation is ongoing and additional charges are possible.

Daniel Henry, chairman of the Duval County Democratic Party, said in a statement that the young men had waved flags with former President Donald Trump’s name during the incident, and that the individuals they confronted carried signs in support of Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. .

Henry described it as a “disturbing act of intimidation” and thanked police for their quick response.

“Violence and intimidation have no place in our democratic process,” Henry said. “The Democratic Party of Duval County stands with those who seek to express their views peacefully and without fear of reprisal.”

Key said he is “extremely proud” of police for their handling of the incident.

“Voting in our country is one of the most sacred and protected rights we have,” he said. “Ensuring everyone’s right to vote is critical and will not be hindered in Neptune Beach or Duval County.”

He also expressed his anger over the incident and emphasized how seriously the police will take such incidents.

“I don’t know if you can see the deep-seated anger that I have, but I’m angry about this — I’m extremely angry about this.” said Key. “It is one thing to exercise your First Amendment right, which we so dearly regard as a sacred right to express. But again, the moment you turn to violence, that goes out the window.”

“To say I am disturbed is an understatement. I am angry that this happened in Neptune Beach,” he added.

Police are in contact with Duval County Supervisor of Elections Jerry Holland, and Key said they are committed to protecting voter safety at the polls.

“This is a safe location to vote, it was a safe location to vote today before this incident, and it will continue to be a safe location to vote,” he said.