CLEVELAND, Ohio — FBI Cleveland Special Agent in Charge Eric Smith says they arrested two men in their early 20s on federal charges for their actions last Saturday.

“Just six days before today's arrest, these two individuals discussed, planned and traveled to our city with the explicit intent to destroy and incite violence,” said Smith.

Officials say Brandon Althof-Long and Devon Bryce Poland, of Erie, Pennsylvania, conspired to come to Cleveland and cause damage to the city and not to support peaceful protests.

Law enforcement obtained Facebook messages between the pair.

“None of the messages exchanged between Mr Poland and Mr. Long mentioned how their travel to Cleveland was to memorialize and honor a memory of George Floyd. Quite the opposite. The sole aim was to fan the literal flames of rioters because, and I quote from their messages, 'It's a once in a lifetime thing.'" said Smith.

Poland and Long were initially picked up Saturday evening and had fire starter, a gun and a hammer in their possession.

Officials say these two were just the beginning.

“We will review every photo, every video and review every violent posting uploaded to social media to piece together what happened and who had a hand in making it happen," said Smith.

Officials say they are looking for individuals who exploited peaceful protests for personal gain.

“Last weekend, if you burnt a car, if you broke into a store, if you beat somebody up, we are going to find you and we are going to hold you accountable, with federal charges as appropriate,” said Jason Herdman, U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

“We’ve arrested folks here in the last 12 hours that probably have the same intent,” said Calvin D. Williams, Chief of Police, City of Cleveland.

Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams says overnight, 5 people were arrested trying to break into Progressive Field. They also had fire starter in their possession.

“They were not from the city of Cleveland nor from Cuyahoga County. So I hope we can put that question to bed.”

“We're all up here in agreement and what happened in Minneapolis was too much for people to bear—even us. And so everyone has that right for peaceful demonstrations and protests,” said Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson.

City and county officials at the press conference Friday did say that they want to respect and protect the right to peacefully protest, but they will not tolerate violence and anybody who causes damage to people or property will be prosecuted.