Peoria Illinois Bomb Threat: Bomb Found at BioUrja Plant, Evacuation Ordered – Latest News

A major bomb threat in Peoria, Illinois, has prompted an emergency evacuation affecting parts of Peoria and neighbouring East Peoria. Police and emergency services responded to a reported threat at the BioUrja Renewables facility on Friday, November 13, 2026.

The incident has raised serious safety concerns, with authorities asking residents and businesses within a one-mile radius of the facility to evacuate immediately.

Peoria Mayor Rita Ali later confirmed that a device had been identified and described the threat as credible. Officials continued investigating whether other devices might be present.

Here is everything you need to know about the Peoria bomb threat, the BioUrja facility, evacuation orders and the latest developments.

What Happened in Peoria, Illinois?

The Peoria Police Department announced a bomb threat at the BioUrja Renewables plant shortly after 7 p.m. local time on November 13.

The facility is located at 1 Edmund Street in Peoria, Illinois. It is the former Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) plant.

Police began searching the facility and investigating the credibility of the threat. As a precaution, emergency officials ordered people living and working within one mile of the plant to evacuate.

The evacuation affected parts of downtown Peoria and neighbouring East Peoria.

Authorities also closed several streets and established an emergency response area.

Bomb Found at BioUrja Peoria: What Do Officials Say?

The situation became more serious later Friday night when Peoria Mayor Rita Ali confirmed that a device had been identified at the facility.

The mayor described the threat as credible and said officials knew it was a bomb. She also warned that authorities did not yet know whether other devices were present.

Reports indicated that the device may have been deactivated, but officials had not publicly confirmed that it was safe.

The investigation remained ongoing, and residents were advised not to return to the evacuation area.

Where Is the BioUrja Plant in Peoria?

BioUrja Renewables operates the former ADM ethanol facility at:

Address: 1 Edmund Street, Peoria, Illinois, USA.

The facility is located near Southwest Washington Street along the Peoria riverfront.

The plant is associated with the production of beverage-grade and industrial alcohol.

What Is BioUrja?

BioUrja Group is a Houston-based energy and agricultural commodity trading company.

Its business activities include:

• Biofuels.

• Agricultural commodities.

• Grain and animal feed.

• Industrial alcohol.

• Beverage-grade alcohol.

• Energy and fuel-related businesses.

The company acquired the former ADM Peoria facility in 2021.

The plant is commonly referred to by some local residents as the old ADM plant.

Illinois Bomb Threat: Which Areas Were Evacuated?

Police issued an evacuation order covering a one-mile radius around the BioUrja facility.

The affected area included parts of:

• Downtown Peoria.

• Peoria's Warehouse District.

• The riverfront area.

• Parts of neighbouring East Peoria.

• Nearby residential and business areas.

Authorities closed several streets and instructed residents and businesses to remain away from the affected area.

The evacuation was intended to protect people while emergency personnel investigated the reported explosive device.

Where Can Peoria Residents Go During the Evacuation?

Residents who needed emergency shelter were directed to:

Manual Academy

811 S. Griswold Street, Peoria, Illinois, USA.

Police also provided an assistance number for people needing help with evacuation:

309-673-4527

Residents who cannot safely evacuate or face an immediate emergency should contact local emergency services.

Is Interstate 74 Closed in Peoria?

The bomb threat also affected transportation around the city.

Reports from local authorities indicated that Interstate 74 was closed in both directions through Peoria during the emergency response.

Drivers were advised to avoid downtown Peoria and the riverfront area and use Interstate 474 as a bypass where directed by authorities.

Road closures and traffic restrictions may change as emergency crews continue their work.

What Is the Latest Update on the Peoria Bomb Threat?

As of the latest reports available early on November 14, 2026:

• Police were investigating the bomb threat at BioUrja Renewables.

• A device had been identified at the facility.

• Mayor Rita Ali described the threat as credible.

• Authorities had not confirmed whether additional devices were present.

• The one-mile evacuation remained in place overnight.

• Residents were instructed to stay away from the affected area.

• Officials planned to provide another public update by 9 a.m. Central Time on November 14.

The situation remains a developing emergency. Residents should rely on official Peoria Police and city announcements for information about the all-clear and when it is safe to return.

Did the Peoria Civic Center Also Evacuate?

Yes. Local reports confirmed that the Peoria Civic Center was evacuated Friday night in connection with the BioUrja bomb threat.

Businesses and other locations within the wider emergency area were also affected.

The incident caused disruption to downtown activities and local events.

The Jon Pardi concert in Peoria was also cancelled amid the emergency.

Why Is the BioUrja Peoria Incident Important?

The BioUrja facility is an industrial site located close to populated areas of Peoria.

A credible bomb threat at such a location requires a coordinated response involving police, emergency personnel and local government.

The incident has affected:

• Residents living near the facility.

• Local businesses.

• Downtown Peoria.

• East Peoria communities.

• Road traffic and transportation.

• Events and public activities.

The emergency response demonstrates why evacuation instructions and public safety warnings must be taken seriously.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What happened in Peoria, Illinois?

Police investigated a bomb threat at BioUrja Renewables on November 13, 2026, and ordered a one-mile evacuation around the facility.

2. Where was the bomb found in Peoria?

A device was identified at the BioUrja Renewables facility at 1 Edmund Street in Peoria, Illinois. Officials described it as a bomb and a credible threat.

3. What is BioUrja Peoria?

BioUrja Renewables operates the former ADM ethanol facility in Peoria, which focuses on beverage-grade and industrial alcohol.

4. Is there a bomb threat in Peoria, Illinois, today?

A bomb threat was reported on November 13, and the emergency response continued into November 14. Check official local updates for the current status.

5. How far does the Peoria evacuation extend?

Authorities ordered people within a one-mile radius of the BioUrja facility to evacuate.

6. Where can evacuated Peoria residents find shelter?

Manual Academy at 811 S. Griswold Street in Peoria was designated as a shelter location.

7. Is the Peoria bomb threat resolved?

Full resolution and an official all-clear had not been confirmed in the latest reports available early November 14.

8. Was the Peoria Civic Center evacuated?

Yes. Local news reports confirmed that the Peoria Civic Center was evacuated in connection with the incident.

9. Is I-74 closed in Peoria?

Reports indicated that I-74 was closed in both directions through Peoria during the emergency. Check current Illinois Department of Transportation and local police updates before travelling.

10. Who should residents contact for evacuation assistance?

The Peoria Police Department provided 309-673-4527 for evacuation assistance. For an immediate emergency, call 911.

Conclusion

The Peoria, Illinois bomb threat at BioUrja Renewables has resulted in a major emergency response, including a one-mile evacuation affecting parts of Peoria and East Peoria.

Authorities identified a device at the facility, and the mayor described the threat as credible. Police and emergency personnel continued investigating whether additional devices were present.

Residents should avoid the affected area, follow evacuation instructions and wait for an official all-clear before returning.

For the latest Peoria IL news, continue checking official city announcements and trusted local news outlets.