Bomb Threat at Illinois Plant in Peoria Prompts One-Mile Evacuation

Police in Peoria, Illinois, are investigating a reported bomb threat at BioUrja Renewables, formerly the ADM plant, and have urged anyone who lives or works within a one-mile radius of the facility to evacuate immediately.

The Peoria Police Department said the evacuation recommendation was issued as a precaution while officers and emergency personnel investigate the threat. Officers are at the scene conducting a search of the facility to determine the credibility of the threat and ensure public safety.

Authorities have closed most streets in the area and are urging the public to avoid the one-mile radius around the facility until further notice. Residents and businesses within the designated area are being asked to cooperate with emergency personnel and stay away from the area.

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker said in a statement on social media that he is actively monitoring the bomb threat in Peoria and has directed the Illinois State Police to coordinate with local authorities. He asked people to follow directions from law enforcement and stay clear of the area.

A concert by country music singer Jon Pardi was cancelled because of its proximity to the bomb threat. In a message posted on Friday night to his 1 million Instagram followers, Pardi said they were disappointed not to spend the night in Peoria, but that the safety of fans, the team and the community is always the priority. He said the concert was cancelled at the discretion of the Chief of Police because of an active local safety concern.

The story is still developing, and whether the threat was credible will be known after the search of the facility.