The men had scouted LGBTQ+ bars in Ferndale, a Detroit suburb, according to a 72-page criminal complaint unsealed in federal court.
FBI Director Kash Patel had announced arrests Friday, but no other details were released at the time while agents searched a home in Dearborn and a storage unit in nearby Inkster.
The court filing says the two men who were charged and other co-conspirators were inspired by Islamic State extremism. Investigators say a minor was also involved in the discussions.
The FBI said the men repeatedly referred to “pumpkins” in their conversations, a reference to a Halloween attack.
The two men will make an initial court appearance on Monday afternoon.
