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By Hollie Silverman
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Residents in Peoria, Illinois, were allowed to return home Saturday after authorities completed an extensive security sweep of an ethanol plant where a bomb was discovered. While the immediate threat has ended, major questions about the incident remain.
State, federal, and local law enforcement converged on the BioUrja Renewables facility after a suspicious package identified as a bomb was discovered Friday. The device was rendered safe that night, triggering a mandatory evacuation within a one-mile radius as authorities worked to secure the complex and search for any possible additional threats.
Police announced Saturday that the search yielded no further hazards, allowing officials to lift the evacuation order, reopen roads, and permit thousands of residents to return to their homes.
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Although the immediate threat has subsided, the investigation now turns to several unanswered questions, including: who was responsible for placing the bomb, why the BioUrja facility was targeted and what type of device was discovered.
Newsweek reached out to BioUrja by email Saturday for comment.
Concerns Over Industrial Hazards
The discovery prompted a massive response involving local, state, and federal agencies, forcing evacuations across a one-mile radius that affected portions of Peoria and extended across the Illinois River into East Peoria.
The BioUrja facility produces ethanol, a flammable alcohol-based fuel commonly manufactured from corn and blended into gasoline. Large volumes of ethanol and ethanol vapor pose a significant fire hazard if exposed to an ignition source.
Peoria Mayor Rita Ali noted during the emergency response on Friday to local station WMBD-TV that officials were particularly concerned because the plant contains ethanol and what she described as “highly combustible types of chemicals.”
Democratic Governor JB Pritzker wrote on X on Saturday that state agencies were actively assisting displaced residents while Illinois State Police personnel secured the scene.
Peoria is a central Illinois manufacturing hub of approximately 110,000 residents situated along the Illinois River, located about 150 miles southwest of Chicago.
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Timeline of the Discovery and Response
BioUrja Renewables first notified police of a bomb threat at 1:08 p.m. CST Friday. Authorities located a suspicious package at the facility at about 2 p.m. and requested specialized resources.
By approximately 6:45 p.m., officials determined the package presented a credible threat and established the one-mile evacuation zone.
The Illinois Secretary of State Police Hazardous Device Unit rendered the package safe at approximately 9:12 p.m. Friday. However, neutralizing the device did not immediately clear the sprawling industrial complex, which officials described as a massive facility featuring multiple floors, catwalks, and silos.
“We don’t know whether there’s one device or multiple devices,” Ali said during the response. “We know that it’s a real threat, a credible threat.”
Police Chief Brad Dixon noted earlier Saturday at a press conference that clearing the complex remained challenging due to its size and structural complexity.
Following a thorough search, Peoria police announced Saturday that officers had concluded their sweep, adding that "they have found no other items of concern at this time."
With the search complete, authorities then lifted the evacuation order.
“The evacuation order will no longer be in effect,” the Peoria County Sheriff's Office wrote on social media. “The street barricades will be removed, and all roads will be opened.”
Multi-Agency Investigation Underway
The response brought together Peoria police and fire officials, the Peoria County Sheriff's Department, Illinois State Police, the Illinois Secretary of State Police Hazardous Device Unit, the FBI, ATF and the U.S. Coast Guard.
The FBI's Springfield Field Office deployed investigative, bomb-technician and intelligence resources.
“The FBI’s foremost priority is the safety of all Peoria residents,” FBI Springfield Special Agent in Charge Ryan A. Presley said during the response. “We will work tirelessly to identify the individual responsible and bring them to justice.”
The ATF’s Chicago Field Division also deployed special agents, canine handlers, and certified explosives specialists. Christopher Amon, special agent in charge of the division, emphasized the agency's commitment to “finding a person or persons responsible for this criminal act and ensuring they are held fully accountable for their actions.”
As the investigation continues, authorities urge anyone with information to come forward.
“Law Enforcement will continue their investigation into this incident, and updates will be provided,” the Peoria Police Department said Saturday.
Newsweek’s reporters and editors used Martyn, our AI assistant, to produce this story. Learn more about Martyn here. Contact Newsweek editors for this story: Steve Mollman and Anthony Murray.
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