Device made safe, but bomb found near ethanol plant in central Illinois forces evacuations as search continues
Evacuations remain in place
The device was found at the BioUrja Renewables facility on Friday afternoon. Authorities said it had been rendered safe, but residents within one mile of the plant were still under an evacuation notice Saturday morning.
Shelters were opened for people displaced by the threat. Police Chief Brad Dixon said officials were continuing to search the facility for other bombs and evidence.
Officials describe the danger
Dixon called the threat credible and urged residents to treat the potential blast radius seriously. He also asked the public to be patient as authorities worked to make the area safe.
Mayor Rita Ali told WMBD-TV that the plant contains ethanol and highly combustible chemicals, which she said heightened concern. No injuries had been reported, and authorities said no arrests had been made.
FBI leads investigation
FBI Special Agent Ryan Pressley said the agency was investigating but did not share further details. He said investigators would work to identify whoever was responsible and bring that person to justice.
Peoria has around 110,000 residents and lies about 150 miles southwest of Chicago. The BioUrja plant sits along the Illinois River; the company acquired the ethanol facility in 2021.
Key points
- A bomb was found Friday at the BioUrja Renewables facility in Peoria.
- The device was made safe, but residents within one mile remained evacuated Saturday morning.
- Authorities were searching for additional bombs and evidence; the FBI was investigating.
- No injuries or arrests had been reported.