Bomb found at Illinois ethanol plant, evacuations ordered

A bomb was found Friday at BioUrja Renewables, an ethanol plant in Peoria, Illinois, prompting the evacuation of residents and businesses within a one-mile radius of the facility, according to the Washington Examiner.

Peoria Police Chief Brad Dixon said the company notified police around 1:08 p.m. Friday that it had received a bomb threat. A suspicious package was found around 2 p.m., and authorities determined at approximately 6:45 p.m. that it posed a credible threat. A bomb technician rendered the package safe at about 9:12 p.m.

"A device has been identified. We know it’s a credible threat. We know it’s a bomb," Peoria Mayor Rita Ali said.

The evacuation order took effect at 7:02 p.m. and covers the area around 1 Edmund St., crossing the Illinois River into East Peoria. The zone includes parts of Downtown Peoria and the Warehouse District. Dixon said the evacuation could continue into Saturday afternoon because investigators had not finished examining the property.

"We understand that this is a disruptive process for our residents and guests," Dixon said. "We’re asking you to get out of the blast radius."

Ryan Presley, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Springfield office, said federal agents were asked to assist Peoria police and are working alongside multiple law enforcement agencies. Presley said authorities "will work to identify the individual responsible." Officials have not identified a motive or a suspect.

The Peoria Fire Department, Peoria County Sheriff’s Office, Illinois State Police, and ATF also responded. Gov. JB Pritzker said in a post on X that he is monitoring the threat and has directed the Illinois State Police to coordinate with local authorities. Rep. Darin LaHood (R-IL) urged residents to follow evacuation orders.

About 75 people were at the emergency shelter at Manual Academy, 811 S. Griswold St., early Saturday, and the American Red Cross was working to provide beds. EastSide Centre in East Peoria has also been designated for those displaced. Interstate 74 has reopened, but numerous road closures remain around the facility.

Country singer Jon Pardi’s Peoria concert was canceled because of its proximity to the threat. In an Instagram post Friday night, Pardi said, "At the discretion of the Chief of Police, tonight’s concert has been canceled due to an active local safety concern."

BioUrja bought the plant from Archer Daniels Midland in late 2021. The site was formerly the world’s largest whiskey distillery under Hiram Walker. The plant has had industrial accidents before, including a 2022 grain bin explosion that sent two workers to the hospital with smoke inhalation. No earlier bomb threats at the facility have been reported.

Dixon said notifications will be sent when the evacuation order is lifted. Police plan to brief the media around noon Saturday.

Sources

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.