NEPTUNE BEACH, Fla. – A Florida A teenager accused of “antagonizing the opposing political side” has been arrested after police say he threatened people outside a polling place in Neptune Beach.
According to Neptune Beach police, 18-year-old Caleb James Williams and seven other teens went to an early voting site on Tuesday around 4 p.m.
Police say the group went to a group of traffic signs along State Highway A1A and a “verbal disturbance” occurred.
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As the incident escalated, officers say Williams brandished a machete above his head in an aggressive stance at two women in their 50s and 70s.
Police say Caleb Williams brandished a machete outside a polling place in Florida on Tuesday. Image courtesy of the Neptune Beach Police Department.
The women called the police, who arrived less than a minute later.
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“I am extremely proud of my office for handling this incident quickly and effectively to keep this voting platform safe for voters,” said Police Chief Michael Key Jr. from Neptune Beach. “The group was there for no other reason than malicious intent to cause unrest. This is not just an incident of a First Amendment protected right, but rather an incident where they were simply there to cause a stir. Voting in our country is one of the most sacred and protected rights we have. Ensuring everyone’s right to vote is critical and this will not be hindered in Neptune Beach or Duval County. This goes way beyond making a speech about the First Amendment on the right, but that goes out the window the moment you hold a machete above your head in a menacing manner.”
Pictured: Machete police say Williams threatened sign wavers outside an early voting location in Florida. Image courtesy of the Neptune Beach Police Department.
The incident remains under investigation and more charges could be filed.
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“I’m angry about this,” Chief Key said. “I am extremely angry about this. This group of young people probably weren’t using their heads and they weren’t thinking very clearly about what they wanted to accomplish, because it’s one more thing to go out and exercise your First Amendment right. , which we like to think of as a sacred right to express: But again, as I said, the moment you turn to violence, that goes out the window and to say I’m crazy is an understatement at the beach of Neptune.”
Caleb Williams posts a photo courtesy of the Neptune Beach Police Department.
Williams was arrested for assault on a person 65 years or older and improper display of a firearm or dangerous weapons charges.
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