(UPDATE, NOVEMBER 13) The GFPD on Thursday told KRTV that the suspicious device "appears to be a simple homemade explosive."
A spokesperson said that the device was taken for analysis and evidence collection purposes.
The GFPD says a criminal investigation was started on the day the device was found, and due to the nature of that investigation, no additional details will be disclosed at this time.
We will update you if we get more information.
(UPDATE, NOVEMBER 12) We asked the GFPD on Monday, November 10, for an update on the situation, and whether the device was actually an explosive.
The GFPD replied: "We are working on a release that should go out this afternoon."
As of Wednesday morning, the GFPD has not released any new information.
(1st REPORT, NOVEMBER 6) Police are investigating the discovery of an item that has "characteristics of an explosive device" at Gibson Park.
911 dispatchers received the report of a suspicious item at 12:10 p.m. on Thursday, November 6, 2025.
The Great Falls Police Department has requested the assistance of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit from Malmstrom Air Force Base.
Officer Aaron Frick said, “At this point, it could be plastic wrapped around a bunch of garbage, we don't know. But it does have what appears to be a fuse, and it does look to be a very realistic homemade explosive.”
People are asked to stay away from the south part of Gibson Park, nearest Park Drive and First Avenue North.
We will update you when we get more information.
NOTE: At 3:20 p.m., we confirmed that the EOD unit from the Missoula County Sheriff's Office responded, as the Malmstrom EOD was not available.
NOTE: The GFPD said that the device "has been removed" as of 3:37 p.m. and the park has re-opened.
