Breaking: Credible Bomb Found at Peoria Ethanol Plant; FBI Joins Investigation as Evacuation Continues
Peoria, Illinois — November 14, 2026
A credible explosive device discovered Friday at the BioUrja Renewables ethanol plant in Peoria triggered a mandatory one-mile evacuation affecting thousands of residents and workers in Peoria and neighboring East Peoria. The device was later rendered safe, but authorities continued an exhaustive search of the large industrial facility into Saturday, with the evacuation order remaining in effect.
Peoria Mayor Rita Ali confirmed late Friday that investigators had identified a bomb. “We know it’s a credible threat. We know it’s a bomb,” she told reporters, adding that officials did not know whether additional devices were present. Peoria Police Chief Brad Dixon emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating that unlike typical bomb threats that prove illegitimate, “This is not the case here. We found a credible package there deemed to be a threat… We’re not considering this a hoax.”
The plant, located along the Illinois River, produces ethanol and alcohol and handles highly combustible materials. Officials established a one-mile blast radius covering portions of both cities. More than 5,000 people were ordered to evacuate. Shelters opened at Manual Academy in Peoria and EastSide Centre in East Peoria. Road closures affected local streets and parts of Interstate 74, and a Jon Pardi concert at the Peoria Civic Center was canceled.
Timeline of the incident (Central Time, November 13):
Approximately 1:08 p.m.: BioUrja notifies Peoria police of a bomb threat.
Around 2 p.m.: A suspicious package is located and additional resources respond.
About 6:45 p.m.: Package deemed a credible threat; one-mile blast radius set.
Roughly 7:02 p.m.: Evacuation notifications issued.
Approximately 9:12 p.m.: Bomb technicians render the package safe. Facility itself not cleared.
The FBI’s Springfield office is assisting in the investigation. Special Agent in Charge Ryan Presley said investigators would work “tirelessly to identify the individual responsible and bring them to justice.” Other agencies involved include the ATF, Illinois State Police, and local fire and law enforcement. No arrests have been made, no injuries reported, and no motive has been publicly identified as of Saturday morning. Officials have not labeled the incident terrorism.
As of early Saturday, the search of the expansive facility continued. Dixon noted it would be exhaustive given the plant’s size. Notifications will be sent when the evacuation order is lifted. The site is part of the energy sector, which is designated critical infrastructure due to its role in biofuel production and the presence of flammable materials.
This remains a developing story. Local outlets including the Peoria Journal Star, WMBD/25News, and WEEK have provided ongoing coverage.
Video and additional coverage:
Extended live coverage and updates: Breaking stream on Peoria ethanol plant bomb
