Ramsey County sheriff’s deputies found weapons and devices to disable buses – among other items – in searches in the Twin Cities last night and today.

Authorities said the items came from “key members of the RNC Welcoming Committee,” a self-described anarchist group.

Five people have been arrested and four properties have been searched, according to the sheriff’s office.

At 8 a.m. today, the sheriff’s office executed search warrants at three Minneapolis homes – 2301 23rd Ave. S., 3500 Harriet Ave. and 3240 17th Ave. S. The FBI, Minneapolis police and the Hennepin County sheriff’s office assisted them.

“The ‘Welcoming Committee’ is a criminal enterprise made up of 35 anarchists who are intent on committing criminal acts before and during the Republican National Convention,” said Sheriff Bob Fletcher in a statement. “These acts include tactics to blockade and disable delegate buses, breaching venue security and injuring police officers. They have recruited assistance in their criminal conspiracy from other anarchists groups throughout the country. Through their plans and actions they have exhibited a blatant disregard for the law and the safety of others.”

The statement said the items found in the searches included:

Materials to create “sleeping dragons” (PVC pipe, chicken wire, duct tape), which is when protesters lock themselves together

Large amounts of urine, including three to five gallon buckets of urine

Wrist rockets (high-powered slingshots)

A machete, hatchet and several throwing knives

a gas mask and filter

Empty glass bottles

Rags

Flammable liquids

Homemade caltrops (devises used to disable buses in roads)

Metal pipes

Axes

Bolt cutters

Sledge hammers

Rapelling equipment

Kryptonite locks

Empty plastic buckets cut and made into shields

Material for protective padding