*UPDATE 4: (via NBC News Washington) Cracks found in stones near the top of the Washington Monument:

The cracking in the Monument was discovered during a secondary inspection. Structural engineers will evaluate the cracks Wednesday and determine how to repair them before the Monument is reopened.



SEE RELATED:

*UPDATE 3: (via NBC News Washington): National Park Service: Washington Monument is not tilting

The NPS said it is evaluating the structures to ensure that they are structurally sound and safe for all visitors. Agency spokesman Jeffrey Olson told the AP that there was “absolutely no damage” to the Washington Monument, contrary to media reports elsewhere that it was leaning. “Absolutely incorrect,” U.S. Park Police Sgt. David Schlosser said of media reports that the Washington Monument was leaning. “It stands tall and proud.” However, the Washington Monument, because of its structural complexities, will remain closed until further notice, according to the NPS.

*UPDATE 2: (via Real Clear Politics): CNN is reporting that “some stones are loose” at the Washington Monument.

*UPDATE 1:(via The Hill) is reporting that the Park Service is stating there is no serious damage to any of D.C.’s national monuments:

U.S. Park Police in Washington made an initial survey of the city’s monuments after a 5.9 magnitude earthquake and found no serious damage. According to The Washington Post, the Park Police checked the monuments by helicopter shortly after the earthquake on Tuesday.

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A 5.9 magnitude earthquake centered around Richmond, Virginia was felt as far as New York City and New England.

Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly reported around 2:30 pm that their bureau received information from a producer that a Captiol Hill Police officer said the Washington Monument may actually be tilting as a result of the earthquake.

Seismologist John Rundle joined Kelly on her show and confirmed that the Washington Monument could very well be tilting as a result of the earthquake and the structure should be checked out.

Two nuclear reactors have reportedly been taken off line near the epicenter of the earthquake.

According to the AP: