Peoria Caterpillar Lockdown for Workplace Threat Lifted [Update]

PEORIA, Illinois — Caterpillar Inc. put all of the company's Peoria-area buildings on lockdown Friday afternoon upon learning of a "credible" workplace violence threat. Peoria Police were involved and on the scene looking for an individual who made the threat.

As of 3:25 p.m., the lockdown has been lifted, according to Caterpillar.

"We continue to engage with law enforcement, and based on new information, Caterpillar is lifting the lockdown that was placed on all Peoria-area Caterpillar facilities. We are resuming to normal operations at this time. We will continue to monitor the situation and, should we need to communicate further, we will provide an updates needed."

Peoria Journal-Star reporter Andy Kravetz, citing sources, tweeted that a "disgruntled former employee" made the threat.

Caterpillar spokeswoman Lisa Miller issued an earlier statement Friday afternoon about the lockdown:

"Today we were made aware of a credible workplace violence threat to a downtown Peoria Caterpillar building. At this time we're unsure of the threat will impact any other Peoria-area buildings. Out of an abundance of caution, we have place employees in the Peoria area on lockdown. Law enforcement officers have also been placed at Peoria-area Caterpillar facilities. We are working closely with law enforcement and will provide updates as soon as possible."

Peoria Public Radio reports that police are investigating a person who made threatening statements directed at the company.

Last fall, the company, which manufactures heavy machinery, including earth movers, announced a massive downsizing as jobs and operations are to be sent to Mexico. More than 21,000 Illinoisans work for Caterpillar, headquartered in downstate Peoria, making the global firm one of the state’s largest employers.

About 5,000 jobs in Illinois are expected to be lost, with most of those happening downstate.

Plans for a new company headquarters also were put on hold last fall. Caterpillar has manufacturing plants in Aurora, Decatur, East Peoria, Joliet, LaGrange, Mossville, Mapleton and Pontiac.

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