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By Flynn Nicholls
US News Reporter
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A machete-wielding teenager accused of intimidating Democratic supporters was arrested outside a polling station in Florida on Tuesday.
Caleb James Williams, 18, was arrested around 4 p.m. at Beaches Branch Library In Neptune Beach, according to the Neptune Beach Police Department.
Williams was arrested on charges of aggravated assault for allegedly brandishing the 18-inch weapon at two women, aged 71 and 54, and improper exhibition of a weapon.
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In Florida, aggravated assault on a person 65 years of age carries a minimum sentence of three years in jail.
In a press conference, police chief Michael J. Key Jr. said Williams was causing a "ruckus" with seven other males aged 16 and 17. Key said they were antagonizing "the opposing political side" in the library parking lot.
Some of the juveniles had Donald Trump flags, while the two victims were holding Kamala Harris signs. Key said Williams "decided to brandish the machete over his head."
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One of the women took pictures of Williams and called 911. Police arrived one minute later. Duval County Democratic Party Chair Daniel Henry condemned the incident in a statement.
"We are deeply concerned about a violent incident today at the Beaches Library, where a group of young men carrying Trump flags, with one individual armed with a machete, confronted peaceful Harris-Walz sign-wavers exercising their First Amendment rights," Henry said.
"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. We urge all citizens to continue engaging in civic activities respectfully and lawfully.
"We remain resolute and focused on our mission to win this election for Vice President Kamala Harris and encourage everyone to vote."
Key said police would not tolerate election intimidation tactics.
"To say your piece is 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," Key said.
"This is not an incident of solely a First Amendment protected right but rather
one where they were simply there to cause a ruckus. Voting in our country is one of the most sacred and protected rights we have, ensuring everyone's right to vote is crucial, and it will not be impeded upon in Neptune Beach or Duval County," Key said.
"I am extremely proud of my agency for swiftly and effectively handling this incident in order to continue keeping this voting site a safe one for voters."
The juveniles involved did not cross the threshold for a criminal charge.
The Republican Party of Duval County released a statement on Facebook that thanked law enforcement and then said the incident took place in a context of incendiary Democratic rhetoric, writing:
"In an environment of high political tension, where President Trump has survived two assassination attempts and Republican supporters are derided as Nazis and called "garbage" by Joe Biden, we urge calm as we approach the end of this election season.
Update 10/30/24, 10:34 a.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.
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