DUVAL COUNTY, Fla. — The 18-year-old teenager arrested Tuesday after police said he showed up at a polling place in Neptune Beach with a machete to "antagonize" people on the "opposing political side," was given a $55,006 bond in his first court appearance Wednesday.
Caleb James Williams faces charges of aggravated assault and improper exhibition of a firearm or dangerous weapon.
Neptune Beach Police Chief Michael Key Jr. said in a Tuesday press conference following Williams' arrest, that the teen brandished a machete, targeting a 71-year-old woman and a 54-year-old woman. Key added that Williams was a part of a group of eight young males, between the ages of 16 and 17, who approached people waving signs on the side of State Road A1A and the confrontation "escalated."
The Duval County Democratic Party, aka Duval Dems, released a statement Tuesday, saying the group of young men was carrying Trump flags, and the victims were holding Harris-Walz signs. Their full statement is at the end of this story.*
Key said the other teens involved have not been criminally charged at this time, but an investigation into the incident, which happened at the Beaches Branch Library, is ongoing.
As for Williams, in his court appearance Wednesday, Judge Mose Floyd said if the teen was to be released on bond, he will be "outfitted with a GPS monitor, not to go within a thousand feet of a polling place... unless it is for the specific purpose of you're casting a vote." Floyd then set Williams' bond on count one (the aggravated assault charge) at $50,003 and bond on count two (the improper exhibition of a firearm or dangerous weapon charge) at $5,003.
Williams is due back in Duval County court on Nov. 20.
Florida For All Executive Director Angie Nixon on Wednesday, released the following statement on the incident:
"Voters are the heroes in this story—they’re showing up in the face of fear and choosing to make their voices heard. These scare tactics won’t work. Our community and our volunteers will continue to rally together to defend the safety and integrity of our polling sites. We honor and stand with 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 thrive.
This incident is more than a random disruption. It’s part of a larger pattern of extreme behavior fostered by leadership that emboldens dangerous, divisive actions. Leaders who promote or tolerate such scare tactics are risking the safety of our communities and encouraging others to behave recklessly, leaving all Floridians at risk.
With this clear example of intimidation, we are calling on every eligible voter in Duval County and across the state to use your power at the polls this year. These scare tactics will not keep us away from the polls. Stand with us, stand for your community, and let’s show up in solidarity on Election Day. Together, we will demonstrate that Florida voters are determined and united, and we will not back down in the face of fear. Let’s get out the vote and take action for our freedoms, our families, and our futures."
Senator Tracie Davis also released a statement on Wednesday about 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’s illegal, and I applaud Neptune Beach Police for their swift response.
We must not allow politicians who seek to divide us to scare us into not voting. Your vote is your voice – do not let anyone silence you. Those who came before us bravely fought for our freedom to vote. Let us 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 witnesses’ intimidation or threats at the polls, please contact local law enforcement and report it to: 1-833-VOTE-FLA."
*Duval Dems' full 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. This troubling act of intimidation was met with a swift response from the Neptune Beach Police Department, who arrived within minutes to assess and de-escalate the situation.
"We commend the Neptune Beach Police for their prompt response, which helped ensure the safety of our community members. Following a thorough investigation, the individual brandishing the machete was arrested and now faces felony charges. We are grateful for the vigilance and dedication of 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 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."