An 18-year-old supporter of Donald Trump is facing serious legal consequences following an incident in which he allegedly threatened two supporters of Kamala Harris with a machete outside an early voting location in Florida.
Caleb James Williams has been charged with felony aggravated assault against individuals over the age of 65, as well as a misdemeanor for displaying a dangerous weapon, according to records from Neptune Beach police.
According to Police Chief Michael Key Jr., Williams, accompanied by seven teenagers aged 16 and 17, traveled to a suburban library in Jacksonville with the explicit intent to provoke and confront those supporting the opposing political figure. The group, waving Trump flags, began shouting at a gathering of Harris’s supporters, which quickly intensified into a more threatening situation.
Key unveiled a photograph captured by a bystander that depicted Williams grinning as he held a machete over his head in a menacing manner. The individuals he allegedly threatened were a 71-year-old woman and a 54-year-old woman.
“This crosses the line into intimidation, which moves beyond the bounds of free speech,” Key stated. “While expressing one’s opinion is a right protected by the First Amendment, that right is forfeited the moment a machete is brandished.” Neptune Beach is characterized as an affluent suburb with a population of approximately 7,000, boasting a median income of around $110,000, based on census data.
On Wednesday morning, Williams, who works as a busboy in a restaurant, was being held at the Duval County Jail without bond as he awaited his first court appearance. His father did not immediately respond to calls, and there was no attorney information available in the court records. Under Florida law, the minimum sentence for aggravated assault against a senior citizen is three years, while the maximum penalty can reach up to 15 years in prison.
Key added that the seven juveniles present with Williams did not appear to have engaged in unlawful activity, although the investigation remains active.
Daniel Henry, the Chair of the Duval County Democratic Party, criticized Williams for what he called “a concerning act of intimidation.” He emphasized that democracy should not tolerate violence and intimidation, stating, “The Duval County Democratic Party supports those who wish to express their viewpoints in a peaceful manner without fearing retaliation. We encourage all community members to participate in civic engagement respectfully and lawfully.”
In contrast, Dean Black, Chair of Duval’s Republican Party, expressed gratitude to law enforcement for apprehending Williams. However, he asserted that Democrats and others are contributing to the hostile political climate seen during this election cycle.
“In a highly charged political atmosphere, marked by threats against President Trump and derogatory remarks from figures like Joe Biden, we must advocate for calm and restraint,” Black commented.
Speaking on related topics, President Biden addressed comments made by a comedian at a Trump rally who referred to Puerto Rico derogatorily, stating, “The only garbage I see floating out there is his supporters.”
Other incidents related to threats against Trump have emerged as well, including one where a 19-year-old man fired shots at Trump during a rally. This individual, Thomas Matthew Crooks, despite being a registered Republican, had previously donated to a Democratic organization. Tragically, he was killed by a Secret Service sniper during the incident.
Additionally, Ryan Routh, who was apprehended last month while allegedly plotting to shoot Trump at his Florida golf course, has a complicated political history. Although he was once a registered Democrat, he claims to have voted for Trump in 2016 and now identifies as an independent. He has also authored a book advocating for extreme measures against Trump, calling for his assassination by Iran.