A Florida man was arrested on Tuesday after allegedly brandishing a machete to intimidate voters at an early voting site in Duval County.

Caleb James Williams, 18, was taken into custody after two women reported that he threatened them with the weapon while standing in the polling station’s parking lot. Witnesses observed Williams posing for photos with the machete alongside a group of supporters chanting in favor of former President Trump.

Police Chief Michael Key confirmed that the group had gathered to protest and provoke opposing political views, leading to a verbal confrontation that heightened concerns about voter safety ahead of the 2024 election.

“The investigation revealed that the group arrived to protest and antagonize the opposing political side,” Chief Key told reporters at a briefing. “The group was there for no other reason but for ill intentions to cause a disturbance. This is not an incident of solely a First Amendment protected right, but rather one where they were simply there to cause a raucous.”

“Voting in our country is one of the most sacred and protected rights we have,” he added. “Ensuring everyone’s right to vote is crucial, and it will not be impeded upon in Neptune Beach or Duval County.”

Williams faces charges of aggravated assault against a person aged 65 or older and improper exhibition of a dangerous weapon. He was the only adult arrested in connection with the incident, as authorities determined that the actions of other group members did not warrant criminal charges.

“This was not merely an exercise of free speech; it was an attempt to cause disruption,” Key stated. “Voting is a sacred right, and we will protect it in Neptune Beach and Duval County.”

The incident drew condemnation from local Democrats, who emphasized that “violence and intimidation have no place in our democratic process.” They called for respectful and lawful civic engagement.