“It is real – this is a real thing,” Peoria’s mayor, Rita Ali, told local news outlet WMBD about the discovery of an explosive device at the BioUrja Renewables facility.
Authorities ordered a mandatory evacuation for thousands of residents across a one-mile zone encompassing downtown Peoria and parts of East Peoria on Friday after finding the device. The sprawling plant, which spans more than 44 football fields along the Illinois River, forced officials to shut down bridges, waterways, and nearby interstate traffic on November 13, 2026, according to the Daily Mail.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and local emergency personnel responded to the industrial site. “While it is early in the investigation, know this: We will work tirelessly to identify the individual responsible and bring them to justice,” Ryan Presley, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Springfield office, told reporters according to CNN.
Bomb Rendered Safe and Evacuation Lifted
Explosives technicians rendered the device safe on Friday night, but officials kept the evacuation order in place while searching the extensive facility for additional threats. Peoria Police Chief Brad Dixon announced during a Saturday press conference that bomb teams had completed their sweep of the property and found no other items of concern, WEEK | 25 News Now reported.
The city lifted the evacuation order at about 1:25 p.m. local time on Saturday, allowing displaced residents to return home and reopening barricaded streets. Officials confirmed that between 60 and 80 people sought temporary shelter at Manual High School during the closure, while no one utilized the EastSide Centre shelter in East Peoria.
The security scare disrupted regional events, forcing the cancellation of the Saturday portion of a local Comic Con convention, the delay of a hockey game and a charity event, and the cancellation of a concert by country music artist Jon Pardi, ABC News reported. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker stated on social media that he monitored the situation closely and directed the Illinois State Police to coordinate local response efforts.
Investigation Into the BioUrja Plant Threat
Law enforcement officials emphasized that the incident was treated as a serious criminal matter rather than a routine false alarm. “This is not a hoax,” Illinois State Senator Dave Koehler said during the Saturday morning briefing.
BioUrja Renewables acquired the industrial plant in 2021 from previous owners ADM, producing ethanol used in fuel, beverages, and hand sanitizer. Federal and local investigators have not yet announced any arrests as the criminal investigation continues.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Peoria Evacuation
When did the evacuation order end for Peoria residents?
Peoria police lifted the one-mile evacuation zone at approximately 1:25 p.m. local time on Saturday after completing an extensive search of the BioUrja Renewables facility.
I am actively monitoring the bomb threat in Peoria, and I have directed the Illinois State Police to coordinate with local authorities. Please follow directions from law enforcement and stay clear of the area. https://t.co/MN399auXtY
How many people utilized the emergency shelters?
Between 60 and 80 displaced residents sought shelter at Manual High School, while officials reported that no residents utilized the EastSide Centre in East Peoria.
What agencies are leading the criminal investigation?
The FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are investigating the bomb discovered at the ethanol plant.
Law enforcement will continue their investigation into this incident and updates will be provided, according to the Peoria Police Department.
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