Bomb discovered at Illinois ethanol plant prompts evacuation and FBI involvement
A suspicious package identified as a bomb was found at BioUrja Renewables in Peoria, Illinois, leading to evacuations within a one-mile radius and a joint investigation by local police and the FBI.
A bomb threat reported at 1:08 p.m. on Friday at the BioUrja Renewables ethanol facility in Peoria, Illinois, led authorities to evacuate residents within a one-mile radius. Police located the suspicious package by 2 p.m. and, after confirming its credibility, issued evacuation orders around 7 p.m. Temporary shelters were set up at a local high school, housing about 75 people, and an adjacent suburb offered additional shelter space. Bomb technicians rendered the device safe at 9:12 p.m., but law-enforcement officers continued to search the plant after a midnight news conference.
Peoria police are working with the FBI, with Special Agent Ryan Presley overseeing the bureau’s Springfield field office’s involvement. The plant’s management declined to comment on any suspects.
The incident occurred amid broader national concerns, including a Reuters-Ipsos poll showing low approval for President Donald Trump’s focus on Washington, D.C., projects and a separate investigation of suspected drone activity over a U.K. air base hosting U.S. forces.