A credible bomb threat at an ethanol facility in Peoria, Illinois, triggered a major evacuation Friday night as authorities worked to secure the site.
The suspicious package was found at the BioUrja Renewables plant shortly after 1 p.m. Friday.
About an hour later, Peoria police determined that the device posed a credible threat, prompting the response of FBI personnel, Police Chief Brad Dixon said during a news conference early Saturday.
Authorities established a one-mile evacuation zone around the facility and issued an emergency warning at approximately 7 p.m.
“As a precautionary measure, the Peoria Police Department is urging anyone who lives or works within a one-mile radius of the facility to immediately evacuate their homes and businesses until further notice,” city officials said.
Bomb technicians arrived at the scene and rendered the package safe at 9:12 p.m., officials said.
However, the plant itself had not yet been fully cleared, and authorities began conducting a comprehensive search for any additional threats.
“It’s a large facility. There’s going to be an exhaustive search of the facility. That has not been completed yet,” Dixon said, adding that the evacuation order would remain in place.
The response involved several local, state and federal agencies, including Illinois State Police, the Illinois Secretary of State, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the FBI, according to Ryan Presley, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Springfield Field Office.
Presley did not disclose whether investigators had identified a suspect or established a motive. He said those responsible would ultimately be held accountable.
“We are currently investigating this incident with all of our partners. While it is early in this investigation, know this: we will work tirelessly to identify the individual responsible and bring them to justice,” Presley said.
The BioUrja facility, previously operated as the ADM plant, produces ethanol alcohol used in spirits, hand sanitizers and adhesives, according to the company.
The facility is located along the west bank of the Illinois River, just a short distance from Peoria’s Downtown Historic District.
Several nearby businesses also adjusted operations in response to the evacuation. Caterpillar, whose plant is located across the river, told third-shift employees not to report to work Friday night into Saturday, 25NewsNow reported.
“Due to guidance from local officials on the safety situation in downtown Peoria, employees should not report for third shift. Please follow local law enforcement guidance on this developing situation,” the company said.