Cleveland: FBI arrests 5 in bridge plot

Authorities have arrested five self-described anarchists in Ohio in an alleged plot to blow up a bridge near Cleveland.

According to the FBI, there was never any danger to the public, because the explosive devices were inoperable and were controlled by an FBI employee working undercover, CBS News reported.

The target of their plot was a bridge over the Cuyahoga Valley, roughly 15 minutes south of downtown Cleveland, Fox News reported.

"The individuals charged in this plot were intent on using violence to express their ideological views," said FBI Special Agent Stephen D. Anthony.

The men were arrested on Monday, the Associated Press reported. According to CBS News, Douglas L. Wright, 26; Brandon L. Baxter, 20; and Anthony Hayne, 35; were arrested by members of the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force on Monday night and were harged with conspiracy and trying to use explosive material to damage property affecting interstate commerce. Connor C. Stevens, 20, and Joshua S. Stafford, 23, were also arrested, CBS News reported.

The men range in age from 20 to 35. According to authorities, the men are not tied to international terrorism, and had no connection to the anniversary of the death of Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, who was killed a year ago.

The five defendants are expected to appear today before a federal magistrate in U.S. District Court in Cleveland.

Tell us about your experience accessing The World

We want to hear your feedback so we can keep improving our website, theworld.org. Please fill out this quick survey and let us know your thoughts (your answers will be anonymous). Thanks for your time!