At approximately 6:00 a.m. Wednesday, Roanoke County Police was notified that three individuals were locked to a car with approximately 15 additional supporters blocking Honeysuckle Road, in protest of the Mountain Valley Pipeline project. Honeysuckle Road is a public roadway and as such, cannot be blocked. It also poses a public safety issue in the event of an emergency. A Police Department extrication team will attempt to remove the individuals in a safe manner with their health and safety in mind. Once removed, they may face charges.
We recognize that the Mountain Valley Pipeline project has been for some time a very controversial issue for our community. The individuals are free to exercise their First Amendment rights, and have done so in a peaceful manner. The Roanoke County Police Department is not taking sides in this matter. They will uphold the law as they are required to do.