A 23-year-old New York man is dead after allegedly crashing a vehicle loaded with weapons and incendiary devices into a Nevada power substation in what authorities are investigating as a suspected act of terrorism. Officials say the man had warned family members he intended to carry out an act that would get him “on the news” before driving across the country.
Suspect Identified After Substation Crash in Boulder City
According to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD), officers responded around 10:00 a.m. local time on Thursday, Feb. 19, after receiving a 911 call reporting that a vehicle had crashed through a secured gate at a Department of Water and Power substation in Boulder City.
The caller also reported hearing gunshots coming from inside the vehicle.
When authorities arrived, they found a deceased adult male inside a silver Nissan Sentra. The individual was wearing soft body armor and was later identified as 23-year-old Dawson Maloney of Albany, New York. Investigators determined that he died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Police said the vehicle contained two additional shotguns, an AR-style pistol, loaded magazines and ammunition, as well as two thermite-based incendiary devices, among other materials.
Family Warning and Cross-Country Drive Raise Concerns
Investigators later confirmed that Maloney had recently been reported missing in New York. Authorities said he allegedly told family members he intended to carry out an act that would make headlines.
During a press conference on Friday, Feb. 20, LVMPD Sheriff Kevin McMahill revealed that Maloney referred to himself as his mother’s “dead terrorist son” in a message sent before the incident.
License plate reader data showed that Maloney drove from New York to Nevada in a rental vehicle prior to the crash.
“Out of an abundance of caution, the incident was treated as terrorism-related due to the location and materials discovered,” LVMPD officials said in a statement. “There is no ongoing threat to the public at this time.”
Extremist Materials Found in Hotel Room
Authorities also disclosed that books related to extremist ideologies were found in the Nevada hotel room where Maloney had been staying. According to investigators, some of the materials pertained to white supremacy and anti-government ideology.
The discovery has intensified the terrorism-related investigation, though officials have not yet publicly confirmed a specific motive.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is assisting with the case. A spokesperson for the agency stated that there are currently no additional updates to share.
Investigation Ongoing, No Public Threat Reported
Law enforcement agencies, including the Boulder City Police Department and LVMPD, continue to examine evidence recovered from the vehicle and the suspect’s hotel room.
Authorities have emphasized that there is no continuing danger to the community. The power substation sustained damage, but officials have not yet detailed the extent of infrastructure impact.
Further updates are expected as investigators analyze digital evidence, communications, and materials recovered in connection with the case.
What This Means Moving Forward
The incident highlights ongoing concerns surrounding domestic extremism and attacks targeting critical infrastructure. While officials have confirmed there is no active threat, the investigation remains active as federal and local authorities work to determine motive and any possible connections.
More information is expected as the FBI and local law enforcement continue their review.
