Occupy Cleveland denounces bridge-bombing plot

CLEVELAND — A member of Occupy Cleveland says that at least some of the five men arrested in an alleged bridge-bombing plot attended the group’s events but that their actions don’t represent the group.

Occupy Cleveland media coordinator Jacob Wagner says the protest group had no knowledge of the alleged plan to blow up a bridge and would denounce such actions. He says some group members knew the suspects but that the group isn’t commenting further.

The FBI says three of the suspects are self-described anarchists. They were arrested Monday on charges of conspiracy and trying to use explosive to damage property affecting interstate commerce. They range in age from 20 and 35. Authorities say at least three of the men are self-described anarchists and are not tied to international terrorism.

The FBI says the target of the plot was a bridge over the Cuyahoga Valley National Park in the Brecksville area, roughly 15 miles south of downtown Cleveland. .

Authorities say there was no danger to the public because the explosives were inoperable and were controlled by an undercover FBI employee.

The announcement of the arrests came as Occupy demonstrators in other states joined Tuesday protests marking International Workers Day, or May Day.