Panic as active bomb forces urgent evacuation of Illinois city while official says 'we cannot guarantee safety'

Detailed summary

The city police and fire departments, along with the Illinois State Police and the East Peoria Police Department, are on the scene.

By ANANYA SWAROOP, US NEWS REPORTER and STEPHEN M. LEPORE, US SENIOR REPORTER

Published: 06:16 GMT, 14 November 2026 | Updated: 06:51 GMT, 14 November 2026

An active bomb has been found at an ethanol plant in Peoria, Illinois, forcing an urgent evacuation.

Panic ensued Friday when a suspicious package was found at the BioUrja Renewables plant on Southwest Washington Street in South Peoria.

Peoria Mayor Rita Ali confirmed the news and called it a 'real threat.'

'It is real. This is a real thing,' she said. 'We know that it is a real threat. We know it is a bomb.'

Congressman Eric Sorensen warned residents and said: 'You need to stay safe because we cannot guarantee the safety of the city of Peoria.'

Sorensen suggested that there was possibly more than just one bomb found at the plant, which is located about a mile and a half from downtown Peoria.

'This is not a hoax. It has gone beyond this. This is very serious. Here to support the mayor and the people who want to take care of the people. Get out of the area. We'll see what comes tomorrow but get out of the area tonight,' added State Senator David Koehler.

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