A suspicious device found at an ethanol plant in Peoria, Illinois, prompted evacuations within a one-mile radius and forced local events to be cancelled while investigations continue. Police and federal authorities said early Saturday that the device was deemed a "credible threat" and had been rendered safe, though they gave no details about its nature.

Peoria Chief of Police Brad Dixon told a press conference that searches were ongoing and the evacuation order remained in place. He said the area at the BioUrja ethanol plant "has not been rendered safe" and that an exhaustive search of the facility had not yet been completed. Asked how many devices had been found and where, Dixon declined to give specifics, but said residents within the one-mile radius "should absolutely evacuate the area."S1

Mayor of Peoria Rita Ali told NBC affiliate WEEK there was an "all hands on deck" response, saying a device had been identified and that officials knew it was a credible threat and a bomb. FBI Special Agent Ryan Presley said FBI personnel, along with local and state police, had determined a suspicious package was a threat and rendered it safe.S1

Congressman Eric Sorensen (D-Ill.) met with evacuees at Peoria Emanuel High School on Friday night, which was designated as the shelter area for those affected by the evacuation just south of downtown Peoria. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker urged residents to follow directions from law enforcement and stay clear of the area.S1

The disruption extended to entertainment and health services. American country singer Jon Pardi cancelled his Friday evening show at the Peoria Civic Center on the direction of the police chief, with tickets to be refunded, and Dozer Park, home of the Minor League Baseball side Peoria Chiefs, cancelled a holiday event. OSF HealthCare St. Francis Medical Center said it was taking all appropriate precautions and would keep monitoring the situation.S1