An explosive device discovered at an ethanol production plant in Peoria, Illinois, forced a mandatory evacuation across a one-mile radius before authorities cleared the facility on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026.
Police Locate Device at Plant
The facility, BioUrja Renewables, received a bomb threat at 1:08 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 13, 2026, according to Peoria Police Chief Brad Dixon. Police located a suspicious package inside the industrial plant around 2 p.m., and authorities later identified the item as a credible bomb, prompting evacuation orders for residents and workers across downtown Peoria and sections of adjacent East Peoria.
“We found a credible package there deemed to be a threat… We’re not considering this a hoax,” Dixon said to reporters, noting that the plant spans several floors and covers more than 44 football fields along the Illinois River.
“We don't know if there are other devices,” Mayor Ali said.
BioUrja acquired the riverfront ethanol plant in late 2021, taking over operations from Archer Daniels Midland, according to Peoria Journal Star. The plant produces ethanol and industrial alcohol used in fuel, drinks, and hand sanitizer.
“Just the thought that there may be some explosive associated with this type of facility is very unnerving,” Peoria Mayor Rita Ali said to CNN, adding that the plant contains ethanol and highly combustible types of chemicals. Mayor Ali also said to CNN’s Jessica Dean on Saturday evening that officials had experienced a real-life Friday the 13th nightmare.
“We know that is a real threat. We know it is a bomb,” Peoria Mayor Rita Ali said to reporters, adding that the plant contains ethanol and highly combustible types of chemicals.
“It is real – this is a real thing,” Peoria Mayor Rita Ali said to reporters, adding that the plant contains ethanol and highly combustible types of chemicals.
Teams Disarm the Explosive Device
The Illinois Secretary of State Police Hazardous Device Unit rendered the package safe at 9:12 p.m. on Friday, ABC7 Chicago reported. Law enforcement established emergency shelters, including a location at Manual Academy that housed about 75 displaced people overnight, while the EastSide Centre in East Peoria was also confirmed by city officials as an evacuation shelter.
State Police assisted Peoria police with traffic control and numerous ramp closures along Interstate 74 running through downtown. Additional traffic restrictions were implemented on northbound William Kumpf Boulevard at Harrison Street and between MacArthur Highway and Cass Street.
Federal partners deployed to assist local authorities included personnel from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, alongside the Peoria Fire Department and the Peoria County Sheriff’s Department.
FBI Special Agent Ryan Presley said to reporters his office deployed personnel to work alongside local and state partners, saying that they were investigating the incident with all partners and would work tirelessly to identify the individual responsible and bring them to justice. Chris Amon, special agent in charge for the ATF Chicago Field Division, said that officials are still searching for the person or persons responsible for the criminal act.
Governor JB Pritzker stated on social media that he was actively monitoring the bomb threat and had directed the Illinois State Police to coordinate with local authorities, while U.S. Representative Eric Sorensen also released a statement regarding the hazardous device unit’s successful response.
Peoria has been given the all-clear. Thank you to our tireless law enforcement officers and first responders on call who worked around the clock to keep Peoria safe. And thank you to the community for coming together to support one another at a time like this. https://t.co/qrszAxXQpG
The emergency response disrupted events across downtown Peoria, forcing the cancellation of a country music concert by Jon Pardi at the Peoria Civic Center, postponing a Peoria Rivermen hockey game, and canceling the opening night of Holiday Lights at the Ballpark at Dozer Park, according to WMBD.
Law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and the ATF, launched an exhaustive search of the sprawling industrial property beginning early Saturday morning. Capt. Brandy Parker, commander of the Coast Guard’s Upper Mississippi River sector, said that authorities also enforced a temporary safety perimeter on the river between mile markers 160 and 164.
By 1 p.m. Saturday, Peoria police lifted the evacuation orders, reopened closed streets, and permitted residents to return home after search teams confirmed no additional explosive devices were located inside the facility, according to WCBU Peoria. The U.S. Coast Guard lifted restrictions on the Illinois River at the same time.
While it is early in the investigation, know this: we will work tirelessly to identify the individual responsible and bring them to justice, said Ryan Presley, special agent in charge of the FBI Springfield Field Office.
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
Earlier coverage: Evacuation Lifted After Bomb Found at Illinois Ethanol Plant
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