A machete-wielding teenager at a Florida polling station has been granted bail

Malcolm Harvey
| First coastal news

DUVAL COUNTY, FL — The 18-year-old was arrested on Tuesday after police said he showed up at a polling station in Neptune Beach with a machete to “stir up” people on the “opposite political side” was granted a $55,006 bond at his first court appearance Wednesday .

Caleb James Williams is charged with aggravated assault and improper display of a firearm or dangerous weapon.

Neptune Beach Police Chief Michael Key Jr. said at a news conference Tuesday after Williams’ arrest that the teenager was brandishing a machete after targeting a 71-year-old woman and a 54-year-old woman. Key added that Williams was part of a group of eight young men aged between 16 and 17 who approached people waving signs on the side of the A1A state road and the confrontation “escalated”.

The Duval County Democratic Party, also known as the Duval Dems, released a statement Tuesday saying a group of youths held Trump flags and the victims held Harris-Walz signs. Their full statement is at the end of this article.*

Key said the other teenagers involved have not been criminally charged at this time, but the investigation into the incident at the Beaches branch library is ongoing.

As for Williams, during a court appearance Wednesday, Judge Mose Floyd said that if the teenager is released on bail, he will be “equipped with a GPS monitor so that he does not come closer than a thousand feet to a polling place … unless it’s for a specific the purpose of your vote.” Floyd then set Williams’ bond on the first count (charge of aggravated assault) at $50,003, and on the second count (charge of improper display of a firearm or dangerous weapon) at $5,003.

Williams is due back in Duval County Court on Nov. 20.

Florida for All Statement.

Florida for All Executive Director Angie Nixon released the following statement Wednesday regarding the incident:

“Voters are the heroes of this story — they show up in the face of fear and decide to make their voices heard. This scare tactic will not work. Our community and our volunteers will continue to rally together to protect the safety and integrity of our polling places. We honor every voter who shows up in the face of intimidation tactics, determined to make their voices heard and build a Florida where everyone has a right. freedom to thrive.

This incident is more than a random disruption. It is part of a wider pattern of extreme behavior fostered by leadership that encourages dangerous and divisive actions. Leaders who promote or condone these intimidation tactics risk the safety of our communities and encourage others to act recklessly, leaving all Floridians at risk.

With this blatant example of intimidation, we urge every eligible voter in Duval County and across the state to exercise their power at the polls this year. These scare tactics will not keep us from the elections. Stand with us, protect your community, and let’s show solidarity on Election Day. Together, we will demonstrate that the voters of Florida are determined and united, and we will not back down in the face of fear. Let’s go to the polls and take action for our freedoms, our families and our future.”

Statement by Senator Tracy Davis

Senator Tracy Davis also released a statement on Wednesday about the incident, which can be read below:

“I am truly concerned about the violent incident that occurred this week in the early voting area of the Beaches Branch Library. Voter intimidation has no place in our democracy. It is actually illegal and I applaud the Neptune Beach Police for their quick response.

We must not allow politicians who want to divide us to intimidate us into not voting. Your voice is your voice – don’t let anyone silence you. Those who came before us fought bravely for our freedom of voice. Let’s honor their courage by continuing to make our voices heard during early voting and on Election Day. We will not let fear win.

If you or someone you know has witnessed intimidation or threats at the polls, please contact your local law enforcement agency and report it at 1-833-VOTE-FLA.”

*Full statement from Duval Dems:

“We are deeply troubled by the violent incident today at the Beaches Library where a group of youths carrying Trump flags and one man armed with a machete confronted Harris-Waltz peace signs exercising their First Amendment rights. This disturbing act of intimidation was met with a quick response from the Neptune Beach Police Department, who arrived within minutes to assess and de-escalate the situation.

“We thank the Neptune Beach Police for their quick response that helped keep members of our community safe. After a thorough investigation, the person wielding the machete was arrested and has now been charged with a felony. We are grateful for the vigilance and dedication to the law of the law enforcement officers who worked to maintain calm and respond to this incident.

“Violence and intimidation have no place in our democratic process. The Duval County Democratic Party supports those who seek to express their views peacefully and without fear of retaliation. We urge all citizens to continue to participate in public activities respectfully and legally.

“We remain determined and focused on our mission to defeat Kamala Harris in this VP election and urge everyone to vote.”