Bomb Found At IL Ethanol Plant Forces Evacuations: Reports

PEORIA, IL — A "suspicious package" deemed to be a credible threat was found at a Peoria ethanol plant on Friday, with the city's mayor bluntly telling reporters, "We know it's a bomb" as residents are urged to evacuate.

The discovery of a suspicious device at the BioUrja Renewables plant on Friday afternoon prompted police to urge residents, "anyone who lives or works within a one-mile radius of the facility to immediately evacuate their homes and businesses until further notice." The evacuation order affects sections of Peoria and East Peoria.

The evacuation order remained in effect on Saturday morning. Emergency responders had evacuated more than 5,000 residents and workers, CNN reported.

During a late-night news conference, ​FBI Special Agent Ryan Presley said officials had determined a "suspicious package was a threat and rendered it safe." The package was rendered safe just after 9 p.m., according to ABC News.

However, the area "has not been rendered safe" as an "exhaustive search" for additional devices had not yet been completed, Peoria Police Chief Brad Dixon said, according to NBC News.

"I don’t want to get into how many we found, where we found them," Dixon said, adding that those who live or work in a one-mile radius "should absolutely evacuate."

Earlier, Peoria Mayor Rita Ali was the first to confirm a bomb had been found, telling WEEK 25 News Now, "A device has been identified. We know it’s a credible threat. We know it’s a bomb." She said officials did not know if there were other devices.

Peoria police announced the evacuation order just after 7 p.m. Friday, telling residents they were "actively investigating a reported bomb threat at BioUrja Renewables, formerly the ADM plant, 1 Edmund Street."

Those in need of shelter were told to go to Manual Academy high school in Peoria, and those who needed assistance evacuating were given a number to call. A second shelter was set up at EastSide Centre sports complex in East Peoria, according to CNN.

"All citizens are urged to avoid the one-mile area of the facility until further notice," police said. "Most streets in this area have been closed off. Officers are currently on scene conducting a thorough investigation and search of the facility to determine the credibility of the threat and ensure public safety. Residents and businesses within the designated area are asked to cooperate with emergency personnel and avoid the area until further notice."

BioUrja Renewables is an alcohol distillation company, producing spirits used in some of the "biggest name brand liquors," according to its website. "We also make fuel ethanol, a green additive to gasoline that helps boost octane."

Gov. JB Pritzker said he was aware of the situation on Friday night, saying on social media, "I am actively monitoring the bomb threat in Peoria, and I have directed the Illinois State Police to coordinate with local authorities. Please follow directions from law enforcement and stay clear of the area."

The bomb threat in Peoria came after two days of major breaking news involving disruptions, including a massive Microsoft Outlook outage on Thursday, and was hours after a nationwide FAA ground stop was issued following a communications issue.