Explosive Device Rendered Safe at Peoria Ethanol Plant; One-Mile Evacuation Remains in Effect
PEORIA, Ill. — November 14, 2026. Police say bomb technicians rendered a suspicious explosive device safe at BioUrja Renewables, an ethanol facility in Peoria, Illinois, on Friday night, but a one-mile evacuation zone covering parts of Peoria and East Peoria remained in effect Saturday morning as investigators searched the sprawling industrial site for additional threats.
Officials stressed that neutralizing the device did not mean the entire facility had been cleared. The public was urged to remain outside the evacuation zone until authorities explicitly lift restrictions.
What happened at the plant?
According to Peoria Police Chief Brad Dixon, BioUrja notified police about a bomb threat at approximately 1:08 p.m. Friday, November 13. A suspicious package arrived around 2 p.m. Investigators deemed the threat credible at approximately 6:45 p.m. and established a one-mile evacuation area. Bomb technicians rendered the package safe at approximately 9:12 p.m., police said.
Peoria Mayor Rita Ali said authorities had identified a bomb, while cautioning that investigators did not yet know whether additional devices were present. Chief Dixon said an exhaustive search of the facility would continue into Saturday, and the evacuation would remain in place during that process.
Evacuations affect Peoria and East Peoria
The facility, formerly operated by ADM, is located at 1 Edmund Street in Peoria. The one-mile evacuation radius encompasses residential and business areas on both sides of the Illinois River. Authorities closed many nearby streets, although Interstate 74 reopened while other restrictions remained.
People needing shelter in Peoria were directed to Manual Academy, 811 S. Griswold Street. Local reports also identified EastSide Centre as an evacuation shelter for East Peoria residents. Police urged anyone unable to evacuate independently to contact local authorities for assistance.
FBI and other agencies join the investigation
Peoria police, Illinois State Police and federal authorities, including the FBI, responded to the threat. Ryan Presley, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Springfield office, said investigators would work to identify those responsible. As of the Saturday morning reports reviewed, officials had not publicly identified a suspect or established a motive.
Community disruptions
The emergency led to road closures and changes to local activities. Country singer Jon Pardi’s Friday concert was canceled because of the nearby safety concern. Caterpillar advised some employees not to report for an overnight shift. Local healthcare institutions reported taking precautions.
What residents should know
Do not return to an evacuated area simply because the first device was rendered safe. Follow Peoria and East Peoria police directions and monitor official municipal channels for a formal all-clear. This article reflects information available Saturday morning, November 14; the situation may change as investigators complete their search.
Sources: WMBD Radio, police briefing November 14; 25News Now, November 14; CBS Chicago, November 13; WCBU, November 13.
Featured image: Brownstone Worldwide editorial illustration; not an actual photograph of the incident.
