FBI Investigates Credible Bomb Found at Illinois Ethanol Plant

Authorities evacuated thousands of residents in Peoria on Friday after discovering a verified bomb at a local industrial facility, prompting a large multi-agency investigation that ended on Saturday afternoon.

The explosive device was found at the BioUrja Renewables plant on Friday afternoon, leading police to establish a one-mile evacuation zone affecting more than 5,000 people and disrupting local events.

The discovery alarmed officials because the sprawling facility handles ethanol and highly combustible materials, raising concerns about a potential blast radius.

“We know it’s a credible threat. We know it’s a bomb,” said Rita Ali, the mayor of Peoria.

Bomb technicians rendered the device safe on Friday evening, but authorities maintained the evacuation order for roughly 24 hours to search the plant for additional hazards.

“This is a credible threat,” said Brad Dixon, the Peoria police chief.

Dixon said officers were not treating the incident as a hoax, noting that the agency needed to take the blast radius seriously.

The FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives joined local police in scouring the sprawling industrial complex along the Illinois River.

“We will work tirelessly to identify the individual responsible and bring them to justice,” said Ryan Pressley, a special agent with the FBI.

No injuries were reported during the incident, and police confirmed that no arrests had been made as the investigation continued.

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker directed state police to assist with traffic control and emergency coordination while urging residents to avoid the area.

Authorities lifted the evacuation order on Saturday afternoon after completing their search of the facility without finding any further threats.

Investigators are still working to identify the person or persons responsible for placing the device at the plant.