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Teen who supports Trump with machete at Florida polling place gets bail

Sakege November 1, 2024

Malcolm Harvey
| First Coast News

DUVAL COUNTY, Fla. — The 18-year-old arrested Tuesday After police said he showed up at a Neptune Beach polling place with a machete to “anger” people on the “opposite political side,” he was held on $55,006 bail at his first court appearance on Wednesday.

Caleb James Williams faces charges of 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 teen brandished a machete, pointing it at a 71-year-old woman and a 54-year-old woman. Key added that Williams was part of a group of eight youths, ages 16 and 17, who approached people waving signs on the side of State Road A1A and the confrontation “escalated.”

The Duval County Democratic Party, also known as the Duval Dems, issued a statement Tuesday, saying the group of young people were carrying Trump flags and the victims were holding Harris-Walz signs. His full statement is at the end of this story.*

Key said the other teens involved have not been criminally charged at this time, but that an investigation is underway into the incident, which occurred at the Beaches library.

As for Williams, at his court appearance Wednesday, Judge Mose Floyd said that if the teen were released on bail, he would be “equipped with a GPS monitor, so as not to come within a thousand feet of a polling place. ..unless it is for the specific purpose that you are casting your vote.” Floyd then set Williams’ bond on count one (the aggravated assault charge) at $50,003 and bond on count two (improper display of a firearm or dangerous weapon charge) at $5,003.

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

Florida Declaration for All

Florida For All Executive Director Angie Nixon issued the following statement regarding the incident on Wednesday:

“Voters are the heroes of this story: they show up in the face of fear and choose to make their voices heard. These fear tactics will not work. Our community and our volunteers will continue to come together to defend the security and integrity of our polling places We honor and support to every voter who shows up in the face of intimidation tactics, determined to make their voice heard and build a Florida where everyone has the freedom to prosper.

This incident is more than a random interruption. It is part of a broader pattern of extreme behavior encouraged by leadership that encourages dangerous and divisive actions. Leaders who promote or tolerate such fear tactics are putting the safety of our communities at risk and encouraging others to behave recklessly, leaving all Floridians at risk.

With this clear example of intimidation, we call on all eligible voters in Duval County and across the state to use their power at the polls this year. These scare tactics will not keep us from the polls. Join us, stand up for your community, and show solidarity on Election Day. Together, we will show that Florida voters are determined and united, and we will not back down from fear. Let’s go out and vote and act for our freedoms, our families and our future.”

Statement from Senator Tracie Davis

Senator Tracie Davis also issued a statement Wednesday regarding the incident, which can be read below:

“I am truly disturbed by the violent incident that occurred this week at the Beaches Branch Library early voting location. Voter intimidation has no place in our democracy. In fact, it is illegal, and I applaud the Neptune Police Beach for your quick response.

We must not allow politicians who seek to divide us to scare us into not voting. Your vote is your voice – don’t let anyone silence you. Those before us fought bravely for our freedom to vote. Let us honor their bravery and continue to make our voices heard during early voting and on Election Day. We will not let fear win.

If you or someone you know witnesses intimidation or threats at the polls, please contact your local police and report it at: 1-833-VOTE-FLA.”

*Full statement from Duval Dems:

“We are deeply concerned about a violent incident that occurred today at the Beaches Library, where a group of young people carrying Trump flags, with one individual armed with a machete, confronted peaceful Harris-Walz sign holders who were exercising their rights. the First Amendment. This disturbing act of intimidation was met with a quick response from the Neptune Beach Police Department, which arrived within minutes to assess and calm the situation.

“We commend Neptune Beach Police for their prompt response, which helped ensure the safety of members of our community. After a thorough investigation, the individual wielding the machete was arrested and now faces felony charges. We are grateful for the vigilance and dedication of the law enforcement officers who worked to maintain the peace 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 opinions peacefully and without fear of retaliation. We urge all citizens to continue participating in civic activities in a manner respectful and legal.

“We remain determined and focused on our mission to win this election for Vice President Kamala Harris and encourage everyone to vote.”