NEPTUNE BEACH, Florida — An 18-year-old now faces aggravated assault charges after Neptune Beach police said he “wielded a machete” to intimidate voters.

Police Chief Michael Key said around 4 p.m. Tuesday, a group of seven juveniles and one adult came to the Beach Branch of the Jacksonville Public Library with the “ill intent of causing a disturbance.”

He said the group drove up, parked their vehicle and began antagonizing early voters to protest the opposing political group, and then the situation escalated into a verbal disturbance.

According to Key, Caleb Williams aggressively swung a machete at two women, ages 71 and 54.

The women called the police, but no one was hurt.

The disruption caused traffic and parking problems, but the polling station was not evacuated.

“Ensuring everyone’s right to vote is critically important, and it will not be compromised in Neptune Beach or Duval County. This goes far beyond expressing free speech and saying your contribution is your First Amendment protected right, but that's lost right now.” “They're threateningly raising a machete over your head,” Key said.

Key ensured the department would do everything it could to ensure safe polling places.

“It was a safe place to vote today before this incident, and it will continue to be a safe place to vote. “That's what we're committed to, and we're always committed to looking at plans to make it safer,” said he.

No one else in the group has been arrested or charged, but Key said because this is an ongoing investigation, future charges are possible if necessary.

Williams was charged with aggravated assault on a person 65 years of age or older and unlawful display of a firearm or dangerous weapon.

However, the police did not provide any information about the party affiliation involved in the incident.

The Duval County Democratic Party responded to the incident and thanked authorities for their response, saying in part: “Violence and intimidation have no place in our democratic process.” The Duval County Democratic Party stands with those who express their views peacefully and without Want to express fear of reprisals.”