Part of Fort Totten Park in Washington, D.C., remains closed as authorities investigate the discovery of World War I-era munitions. The National Park Service (NPS), responsible for the park, released a statement on Thursday, stating that further investigation has indicated the potential presence of additional munitions within the park.

The incident occurred on April 18 when two metal canisters were found in the park. The discovery came after unauthorized work conducted by a neighboring property owner resulted in approximately 10 feet of soil being pushed onto NPS land. The NPS revealed that one of the munitions was a 75-millimeter projectile measuring approximately 3 inches in diameter and 11 inches in length. The other was a Livens projectile, resembling a mortar and measuring approximately 6 inches in diameter and 19 inches in length.

Upon initial assessment, Army experts determined that the 75-mm projectile did not pose a hazard, while the Livens projectile contained an unknown liquid. Both items were subsequently transported to a nearby secure federal facility and evaluated by the Army's Materiel Assessment Review Board. Further testing indicated that the Livens projectile did not pose a hazard.

Fort Totten Park, located in northeast D.C. near the Maryland border and the site of a Civil War fort, had previously discovered an empty WWI-era metal canister of unknown origin in another section of the park in 2020.

In light of the ongoing investigation, the NPS announced that it is collaborating with the Army to secure funding for a comprehensive investigation of Fort Totten Park. Emphasizing the safety of visitors and the community, the park will remain closed until further notice. Authorities urge the public to stay away from the closed area and treat any potential encounters with munitions as dangerous. The NPS provided guidelines to recognize, retreat from, and report any possible munitions encounters, advising individuals to call 911 and notify local law enforcement of any findings.

As the investigation into the World War I-era munitions at Fort Totten Park continues, authorities are prioritizing the safety and well-being of the public. Stay tuned for updates regarding the reopening of the park once it is deemed safe by authorities.