Daijiworld Media Network - Peoria
Peoria, Nov 15: A suspected bomb discovered at an ethanol plant in Peoria, Illinois, triggered an evacuation advisory for people within a one-mile radius and led to the cancellation of several events on Friday.
The evacuation recommendation was issued following the discovery of a suspicious device at the BioUrja Renewables facility on Friday afternoon. The advisory was lifted on Saturday after police and federal authorities confirmed that the device had been rendered safe.
Peoria police said early Saturday that authorities had identified a device posing a credible threat and safely neutralised it. Officials did not disclose details about the nature of the device.
A joint search involving federal, state and local authorities found no additional devices. However, the investigation into Friday's discovery was continuing, police said.
FBI Special Agent Ryan Presley said authorities would make every effort to identify the person responsible and bring them to justice.
Peoria Mayor Rita Ali told NBC affiliate WEEK that the incident had prompted an extensive emergency response. She confirmed that the device had been identified as a credible bomb threat.
Presley said FBI personnel, along with local and state police, had determined that a suspicious package posed a threat and had taken steps to render it safe.
Rep. Eric Sorensen, a Democrat representing Illinois, visited evacuees at Peoria Manual High School on Friday night, which had been designated as a temporary shelter for people affected by the evacuation.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker urged residents to follow law enforcement instructions and stay away from the affected area.
The incident also disrupted several scheduled events in the city. Country music singer Jon Pardi cancelled his Friday evening concert at the Peoria Civic Center following instructions from the police chief. He announced that tickets would be refunded.
Illinois Comic Con cancelled its Saturday events, although organisers said Sunday's programme would continue after authorities issued the all-clear.
Several public venues, including the Caterpillar Visitors Center, Riverfront Museum, Rhythm Kitchen Music Cafe, Peoria Main Library and Lincoln Branch Library, remained closed on Saturday. Dozer Park, home of the Peoria Chiefs minor league baseball team, also cancelled a scheduled holiday event.
OSF HealthCare St Francis Medical Center said it was taking appropriate precautions in response to the situation and would continue monitoring developments to ensure the safety of patients, staff and visitors.
BioUrja, a Houston-based energy, agricultural and metals commodity trading company, acquired the former Archer-Daniels-Midland (ADM) ethanol production complex in Peoria in 2021. The acquisition was aimed at expanding the company's presence in beverage-grade and highly distilled industrial alcohol markets.
The company had not immediately responded to requests for comment.