The latest Peoria bomb threat update is that police say an explosive device found at the BioUrja Renewables plant was rendered safe on Friday night. The facility itself has not been declared safe, and the one-mile evacuation zone in Peoria and East Peoria remains in effect, likely into Saturday afternoon. This article reflects what officials had confirmed as of early Saturday morning, Nov. 14, 2026.
What Happened at the BioUrja Plant in Peoria
The incident centers on BioUrja Renewables, the former ADM plant at 1 Edmund Street in South Peoria, Illinois. The facility makes ethanol and industrial alcohol and sits along the Illinois River.
Peoria Police Chief Brad Dixon said the company notified police of a bomb threat at about 1:08 p.m. Friday. A suspicious package followed, and by about 6:45 p.m. authorities had determined it was a credible threat. A mandatory evacuation of everyone within one mile of the plant took effect shortly after 7 p.m.
Mayor Rita Ali did not soften her message that night. She called the threat real and said officials knew it involved a bomb. She also stressed that the plant handles highly flammable and combustible materials, which is why the evacuation radius was so wide.
Is the Peoria Bomb Threat Over? Current Status
Not yet. Here is where things stood early Saturday:
- The device: Chief Dixon said the explosive device was rendered safe late Friday night.
- The facility: BioUrja has not been cleared. Investigators are still searching the large plant.
- The evacuation: The one-mile radius remains in effect. Dixon said it will likely continue into Saturday afternoon.
- Roads: Interstate 74 has reopened, but numerous local road closures remain around the plant.
- Next update: Peoria Police said they would brief the media again around noon Saturday.
Dixon also said this case is unusual. Most bomb threats turn out to be hoaxes, he said, and this one was not. Even with the device made safe, his advice to residents was to take the blast radius seriously and stay out of it.
Who Is Investigating the Peoria Bomb Threat
Several agencies are involved:
- Peoria Police Department, the lead agency
- East Peoria police and fire, covering the Levee District side of the river
- Illinois State Police, which Gov. JB Pritzker directed to coordinate with local authorities
- The FBI, with Springfield Special Agent in Charge Ryan Presley saying agents are working to identify whoever is responsible
- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which was reported to be assisting
Officials have not named a suspect or described a motive. Dixon declined to discuss specifics but said significant resources are devoted to finding the person responsible. Until police or federal investigators say more, claims about who planted the device or why are unconfirmed.
Peoria Evacuation Zone: Which Areas Are Affected
The zone covers roughly one mile around the BioUrja plant. It takes in parts of downtown Peoria and extends across the river into the Levee District of East Peoria. East Peoria has published an evacuation map, and checking it is the best way to confirm whether your address falls inside the line.
Anyone who lives or works in the zone has been urged to leave until police say otherwise. Police said that anyone who cannot get out on their own should call 309-673-4527 for help.
Evacuation Shelters in Peoria and East Peoria
Two shelters were opened:
- Peoria: Manual Academy, 811 S. Griswold St. About 75 people were staying there early Saturday, and the American Red Cross was working to provide beds.
- East Peoria: The EastSide Centre is available for East Peoria residents.
Events and Businesses Affected
The evacuation disrupted downtown Peoria on a Friday night. The Peoria Civic Center was evacuated, and country singer Jon Pardi’s concert was canceled because of its proximity to the threat area.
For Saturday, Dixon said the Civic Center building is outside the one-mile radius, but its parking lots are inside it. Police said they would give event organizers the best available information so they can decide whether to go ahead. If you have tickets or plans downtown, check directly with the venue or organizer before heading out.
What Peoria-Area Residents Should Do Right Now
- Stay out of the one-mile zone until officials announce it is safe, even though the device has been made safe.
- Follow official channels for updates, including the Peoria Police Department and the City of East Peoria social media pages.
- Check road closures before driving near downtown or the riverfront.
- Bring essentials if you are staying at a shelter, such as medications, chargers, and documents. Red Cross staff are helping with bedding.
- Report anything suspicious rather than investigating it yourself. Tips can go to the FBI’s tip line or to local police.
- Review basic preparedness steps at Ready.gov’s guidance on explosions and bomb threats.
What Remains Unknown
Several key questions are still open:
- Who sent or planted the device, and why the BioUrja plant was targeted
- Whether any other devices exist, which is what investigators are checking as they search the facility
- When residents can return home. Officials have pointed to Saturday afternoon but have not set a firm time.
- When BioUrja will be cleared and when normal operations in the area can resume
What to Watch Next
The noon Saturday briefing from Peoria Police is the next scheduled milestone. It should clarify whether the facility search is finished and whether the evacuation order will be lifted, narrowed, or extended. Any arrest or identification of a suspect would most likely come from the FBI and local police together.
For official notices, the City of Peoria website and the Peoria Police Department’s verified pages are the most reliable places to look. The American Red Cross can also help with shelter and relief information.
Not to Be Confused With Other Peoria Incidents
Because Peoria, Arizona has also had unrelated bomb threats in the past, searchers may see mixed results. This story concerns Peoria, Illinois, and the BioUrja plant on the Illinois River.
Were you or your family affected by the Peoria evacuation? Share your experience in the comments, and check back for the latest updates as officials release new information.