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A machete-wielding young man was arrested in Florida for allegedly threatening Democratic supporters. voting site
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A machete-wielding young man was arrested in Florida for allegedly threatening Democratic supporters. voting site

Police arrested an 18-year-old wielding an 18-inch-bladed machete outside a Florida polling station on Tuesday, who was part of a group of teenagers accused of intimidating Democratic supporters.

Teenager Caleb James Williams was arrested after officers were called to the Beaches Branch Library in Neptune Beach just after 4 p.m.

Williams was arrested on aggravated assault charges for allegedly pointing his gun at two unidentified women, ages 71 and 54, and improperly displaying the gun, the Neptune Beach Police Department said.

The local Democratic campaign said it was “deeply concerned” by Tuesday’s events, saying a group of young people waving signs supporting former President Donald Trump confronted a group carrying signs promoting Kamala Harris.

Florida Teen Machete (Neptune Beach Police Department)Florida Teen Machete (Neptune Beach Police Department)

Caleb James Williams was caught wielding a machete outside a polling station in Neptune Beach, Fla., on Tuesday.

Police Chief Michael J. Key Jr. Officers found a group of eight people, seven children and one adult, in the library parking lot, he said at a news conference Tuesday night.

“The investigation revealed that the group came to protest and antagonize the opposing political side,” he said.

The group approached opposing signs and an argument broke out between the two parties before Williams “swung the machete over his head in an aggressive, threatening stance,” Key said, adding that the department released footage of the moment.

“The group was there for no reason other than malice, to cause mayhem,” Key continued.

Key added that the incident was a clear example of actions that went beyond what free speech laws allow.

Florida Teen Machete (Neptune Beach Police Department)Florida Teen Machete (Neptune Beach Police Department)

Police released this image of the machete-style knife seized from the teenager.

“This goes way beyond expressing free speech — saying your writing is a right protected under the First Amendment, but that goes out the window the moment you raise the machete menacingly above your head,” he said.

Key said there were no plans to arrest or charge any other members of the group because their actions “do not cross the threshold of criminality” but stressed that the investigation was ongoing.

Duval County Democratic Party Chairman Daniel Henry praised police for their quick response.

The statement said: “We are deeply concerned about a violent incident at the Beaches Library today, in which a group of young men carrying Trump flags, one man armed with a machete, confronted those waving peaceful Harris-Walz signs. Amendment rights.”

Police attempted to reassure the public that the polling station and other locations in the county remained safe for voters.

The Duval GOP did not immediately respond to NBC News’ request for comment.