Residents evacuated after bomb found at Illinois ethanol plant; FBI joins probe

Residents living near an ethanol plant in Peoria, Illinois, were ordered to evacuate after authorities discovered a bomb at the industrial facility, with police describing the threat as credible and warning of the potential blast radius. The device was found on Friday afternoon at the BioUrja Renewables plant.

Bomb technicians rendered it safe later that evening, at around 9.12 pm local time, but the evacuation order remained in force on Saturday as law enforcement teams searched the site for other possible devices and evidence. Police established a one-mile evacuation zone around the facility, urging residents and businesses within the area to leave and asking the public to stay away. Shelters were set up for people displaced by the threat, while several roads near the plant were closed.

“This is a credible threat,” Peoria police chief Brad Dixon told reporters shortly after midnight on Saturday. “We need to take the blast radius seriously.” Dixon said authorities were not treating the incident as a hoax, adding that the search of the large facility was expected to continue through Saturday. The FBI has joined the investigation. Special Agent Ryan Pressley said the agency was working to identify whoever was responsible and bring them to justice, but declined to share further details. No arrests had been made and no injuries were reported.

The discovery has heightened concern because the BioUrja facility produces ethanol and handles highly combustible chemicals.

Peoria Mayor Rita Ali told local broadcaster WMBD-TV that the nature of the plant's operations was a particular cause for alarm. The facility is located along the Illinois River. BioUrja acquired the ethanol plant in 2021. Illinois governor JB Pritzker said he was monitoring the situation and had directed state police to coordinate with local authorities. He urged residents to follow evacuation instructions and avoid the area.

The threat also disrupted a scheduled concert by country music singer Jon Pardi in Peoria. The event was cancelled on Friday because of its proximity to the plant. Pardi said the decision had been taken by the police chief and that the safety of fans, crew and the community was the priority. Dixon acknowledged the disruption caused by the evacuation and appealed to residents to cooperate with emergency services while officers worked to secure the area.