BREAKING: Bomb Found In Illinois

A bomb was discovered at the BioUrja Renewables ethanol plant in Peoria, Illinois, prompting a large-scale evacuation and an FBI investigation. Police described the device as a credible threat rather than a hoax.

Peoria Mayor Rita Ali stated, “We know it’s a credible threat. We know it’s a bomb.” Authorities established a one-mile radius and evacuated more than 5,000 residents and workers.

Peoria Police Chief Brad Dixon said the package was “rendered safe” but the evacuation order remained in effect while the search continued. No injuries have been reported and no arrests have been made.

The initial report came just after 1 p.m. Friday. FBI Special Agent Ryan Pressley said the bureau will work to identify those responsible.

The facility is a large industrial site, and officials noted that a complete search would take time. Shelters were opened at a local high school and a sports complex.

Bomb threats are common but usually unfounded; authorities emphasized that this incident involved an actual device. Multiple agencies, including the Peoria Fire Department and county sheriff, assisted.

The plant produces ethanol and sits within the city of roughly 110,000 people. The discovery triggered an immediate multi-agency response.

Investigators spent hours examining the complex for additional evidence or devices. The mayor said it was not yet known whether other items were present.

The evacuation affected both workers at the facility and nearby residents. Temporary shelters provided space while the area remained restricted.

Federal involvement began shortly after local police confirmed the threat. The Springfield FBI office is leading the investigative portion.

No motive has been released. The case remains in the early stages with the device secured.

Officials urged the public to avoid the area while operations continued. The one-mile radius covered a substantial portion of the surrounding neighborhood.

The ethanol plant’s industrial nature required specialized handling during the search. Hazardous materials protocols were part of the response.

As of the latest updates, the device had been neutralized but full clearance of the site was ongoing. Residents awaited the all-clear.

The incident stands out because authorities recovered an actual explosive package. Most reported threats do not reach that stage.

Local and federal teams continue to process the scene. Further details on the device’s construction or origin have not been made public.

The response involved coordination across city, county, and federal levels. That joint effort allowed for rapid evacuation and device handling.

No additional threats have been reported in connection with the Peoria incident. The investigation remains active.