Here’s the press release from the Roanoke City Police Department: On August 8, 2016 at 5:15 p.m. Roanoke Police charged two adults with trespassing at the office of Congressman Bob Goodlatte. The office is located in the Suntrust Building at 10 Franklin Road S.E. Numerous individuals had conducted a “sit in” starting at approximately 11:00 a.m. today. Roanoke Police had been in constant communication with the group over the weekend and had offered assistance in helping with a safe visit to the downtown area. At the conclusion of the speech outside in the first block of Franklin Road S.E., numerous people entered the Suntrust Building and into the office of Congressman Goodlatte. The group was estimated at approximately 15 persons. Police personnel attempted to resolve this incident without charges being placed against anyone. The group was polite and cordial at all times with law enforcement, as well as the Goodlatte staff. Group members expressed their concerns to Congressman Goodlatte’s staff. At the office closing time of 5:00 p.m., everyone was given multiple opportunities to leave the office area without being charged. Everyone departed the office and building when asked by the staff at the time of the office closing with the exception of Cornell V. Brooks, age 55, of Woodbridge Virginia, and Stephen A. Green, age 24, of Orlando Florida. Both were given the opportunity to sign a summons to appear in Roanoke City General District Court and be released, but both refused to do so. Both were arrested for Trespassing at the office building, and taken before the magistrate. Both were charged and released on their own recognizance.
