Authorities say a 23-year-old man drove a vehicle containing explosives into a Nevada power substation in what investigators are treating as a suspected act of terrorism.
The incident occurred around 10 a.m. on Feb. 19 in Boulder City, when a caller reported a vehicle crashing through a secured gate at a Department of Water and Power facility. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department said gunshots were also reported from inside the vehicle.
Suspect Identified
Responding officers found a deceased man inside a silver Nissan Sentra. He was wearing soft body armor and was later identified as Dawson Maloney, 23, of Albany, New York. Police said he died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Investigators recovered two shotguns, an AR-style pistol, loaded magazines, ammunition and two thermite-based incendiary devices from the vehicle.
Authorities later learned Maloney had recently been reported missing in New York. According to police, he allegedly told family members he planned to carry out an act that would put him “on the news.” License plate reader data showed he had driven cross-country in a rental car.
Extremist Materials Found
During a subsequent search, investigators found books related to extremist ideologies in the hotel room where Maloney had been staying, including materials referencing white supremacy and anti-government beliefs.
Sheriff Kevin McMahill said Maloney referred to himself as his mother’s “dead terrorist son” in a message prior to his death.
The incident is being treated as terrorism-related due to the location and materials involved. Authorities said there is no ongoing threat to the public. The FBI is assisting with the investigation.
