Bomb threat at Peoria ethanol plant forces mass evacuation
- A suspicious package was found at the BioUrja ethanol plant on Friday.
- Authorities confirmed the device was a credible bomb threat.
- A one-mile blast-radius evacuation remains in effect Saturday morning.
- Bomb technicians rendered the initial package safe at 9:12 p.m.
- Investigators continue an exhaustive search of the large facility.
13, 2026. Bomb technicians rendered the device safe at 9:12 p.m. that evening.
The rest of the BioUrja facility remained uncleared following the initial response. A search for additional threats continued at the property.
One-mile evacuation zone impacts 5,000 residents
Authorities established a one-mile blast-radius zone around the BioUrja facility at 7 p.m. on Friday. The order required all people living or working within that radius to evacuate.
CNN reported that more than 5,000 residents and workers were evacuated. The order covered parts of Peoria and East Peoria and remained in effect on Saturday morning.
FBI and local police lead multi-agency investigation
Police Chief Brad Dixon deemed the package a credible bomb threat about one hour after its discovery.
FBI agents arrived at the scene to assist local authorities. FBI Special Agent in Charge Ryan Presley of the Springfield Field Office confirmed that personnel from the FBI and local and state police rendered the suspicious package safe.
Presley stated that investigators have not yet identified any suspects or motive. He added that officials will work to bring the responsible individual to justice.
Mayor Ali and Governor Pritzker address the threat
Peoria Mayor Rita Ali told reporters that a device was identified as a credible bomb threat. Ali described an all hands on deck response and stated, "We know it's a bomb".
Local businesses and events cancel operations
The evacuation order forced the cancellation of local events and impacted nearby industry. Caterpillar instructed third-shift workers at its nearby plant not to report for work from Friday night into Saturday.
Country music singer Jon Pardi cancelled his Friday evening show at the Peoria Civic Center due to the safety concern and announced that tickets would be refunded. Dozer Park, home of the Peoria Chiefs, also cancelled a planned holiday event at the venue.
Shelters open for displaced Peoria residents
Residents displaced by the evacuation were directed to Manual Academy high school in Peoria. A second shelter opened at the EastSide Centre sports complex in East Peoria.
Congressman Eric Sorensen met with evacuees at Peoria Emanuel High School on Friday night. He urged everyone within a one-mile radius of the BioUrja plant to leave the area.
OSF HealthCare St. Francis Medical Center reported it was taking appropriate precautions. The facility said it would monitor the situation and take necessary steps to maintain a safe environment for patients and staff.
Police continue exhaustive search of facility
Chief of Police Brad Dixon said the entire property remains under an exhaustive search.
Dixon reiterated that only the discovered package had been rendered safe. He stated that the area has not been rendered safe and the search has not been completed.
The chief declined to disclose how many devices were found or their locations. He insisted that anyone within a one-mile radius must evacuate the area.
BioUrja plant produces ethanol for spirits and fuel
The BioUrja facility, formerly the ADM plant, produces ethanol for spirits, hand sanitizers, and adhesives.
BioUrja Renewables also manufactures fuel ethanol, which is a green gasoline additive that boosts octane. The plant produces spirits for major liquor brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
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