Evacuation Ordered After Credible Threat at Peoria Ethanol Plant

an industrial facility with large metal silos and pipes in a Midwestern American town, viewed from a blocked-off street with yellow caution tape and parked emer

AI-generated illustration; not a photograph of the reported event.

Suspicious Device Prompts Large-Scale Evacuation in Peoria

A device found at the BioUrja ethanol plant in Peoria, Illinois, was deemed a “credible threat” on Friday, triggering an evacuation within a one-mile radius and the cancellation of several local events as law enforcement continued investigations.

Authorities Respond to 'Credible Threat'

Peoria Police Chief Brad Dixon announced during a press conference that the suspicious device had been identified as a credible threat. Dixon confirmed an exhaustive search of the facility was underway and that the area had not yet been rendered safe. Residents within the one-mile evacuation zone were strongly urged to leave the area as a precaution.

Federal and Local Agencies Take Action

FBI Special Agent Ryan Presley told media outlets that the suspicious package had been rendered safe by authorities. The FBI, along with state and local police, continued to search the plant and neighboring areas for any further threats. Authorities did not disclose specific information on the nature or number of devices found, citing the ongoing investigation.

Impacted Community and Event Cancellations

The incident resulted in several event cancellations in Peoria. Country music singer Jon Pardi canceled his Friday evening concert at the Peoria Civic Center on the direction of the Chief of Police, assuring ticket holders of refunds. A holiday event at Dozer Park, home to the Peoria Chiefs baseball team, was also canceled.

Congressman Eric Sorensen (D-Ill.) visited evacuees at Peoria Emanual High School, which served as a designated shelter for those affected south of downtown. Sorensen emphasized the importance of adhering to evacuation orders.

Public Safety Precautions and Official Response

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker urged the public to follow law enforcement guidance and avoid the area around the BioUrja plant. The nearby OSF HealthCare St. Francis Medical Center reported adopting precautionary safety measures and stated it would continue monitoring the situation to safeguard patients and staff.

Ongoing Investigation

As of Saturday morning, law enforcement agencies were still conducting thorough searches of the BioUrja ethanol plant site. The evacuation order remained in effect, with authorities prioritizing public safety and continuing to investigate the source and motive behind the bomb threat.