The Iowa Army Ammunition Plant remains temporarily closed following an undisclosed incident that triggered a full safety review of the facility.
Officials say operations at the Middletown site are still shut down, and no timeline has been given for reopening.
Justine Barati, Director of Public and Congressional Affairs for Join Munitions Command at the Rock Island Arsenal, addressed rumors circulating on social media over the past several days. She confirmed there were no drones over the facility, no explosion occurred, and no munitions are missing.
Barati also stated that no dangerous materials were uncovered during ongoing construction work at the plant, which recently secured a contract worth more than 635 million dollars to add a new production line.
Employees were sent home abruptly around noon on Thursday of last week. According to reports, workers were instructed to gather their belongings and leave immediately.
Officials say the shutdown is being done out of an abundance of caution.
In a statement, Barati said the pause allows experts to review on-site storage procedures and ensure all safety protocols are being followed. Access to the site remains restricted during this time.
The Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office also confirmed the closure is due to an internal issue, but emphasized there is no threat to the public.
Officials say more information will be released as it becomes available.