Florida teen accused of threatening Democratic voters with machete

October 30, 2024

Craig Nigrelli, Anchor

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A Florida teen is facing aggravated assault charges after he allegedly wielded a machete to intimidate Democratic voters outside a polling place. Caleb Williams, 18, was arrested Tuesday, Oct. 29, outside a voting precinct in Neptune Beach — which is in the Jacksonville area.

Police said the registered Republican was among a group of teens accused of intimidating Democratic voters. Neptune Beach Police Chief Michael Key said the group approached people waving Harris-Walz signs and an argument ensued.

Investigators said Williams “brandished a machete in an aggressive, threatening posture over his head.”

“This goes way beyond expressing freedom of speech,” Key said. “To say your piece is a First Amendment-protected right, but that goes out the window the moment you raise a machete over your head in a threatening manner.”

Authorities say right now, none of the other members of the group are facing charges. They said their actions didn’t “cross the criminal threshold,” however, the investigation is ongoing.

Tags: 2024 Elections, Arrest, Democratic Party, Democrats, Donald Trump, Early voting, Election, First Amendment, Florida, Free Speech, Jacksonville, JD Vance, Kamala Harris, Police, teenagers, Tim Walz, Voting

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- Teenage Trump supporter ‘threatened elderly Democrat with machete’
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Investigators said Williams “brandished a machete in an aggressive, threatening posture over his head.”

Authorities say right now, none of the other members of the group are facing charges. They said their actions didn’t “cross the criminal threshold,” however, the investigation is ongoing.