Boulder City, Nevada – A man died Thursday after intentionally driving a vehicle through the gate of a power substation owned by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), prompting a terrorism investigation, authorities said. The driver, identified as 23-year-old Dawson Maloney of Albany, New York, had recently told family members he intended to commit an act that would garner media attention, even referring to himself as a “dead terrorist son,” according to Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Sheriff Kevin McMahill.
The incident occurred at a LADWP facility in Southern Nevada. While authorities initially investigated the possibility of a broader threat to the power grid, officials quickly determined there were no impacts or disruptions to operations. Boulder City Police Chief Timothy Shea stated there was no evidence of major damage to critical infrastructure. The investigation is ongoing, with the FBI assisting local law enforcement.
According to Sheriff McMahill, Maloney was found deceased in the driver’s seat of a Nissan Sentra with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. A search of the vehicle revealed a disturbing arsenal: two shotguns, an AR-style pistol, numerous loaded magazines, two devices described as flamethrowers containing thermite material, a crowbar, and a hatchet. Authorities as well discovered books related to a range of extremist ideologies, including right- and left-wing extremism, environmental extremism, white supremacy, and anti-government beliefs. CNN reported that the FBI is analyzing a cellphone recovered from the scene.
Vehicle Ramming and Initial Response
Video released by the Las Vegas Police Department shows the Nissan Sentra speeding through a fence at the power substation on Thursday, February 19, 2026. The car came to a stop in a security area, sustaining front-end damage. Boulder City police initially responded to a report of the crash, leading to the involvement of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and federal investigators. NBC New York reported that the driver was wearing what police described as “soft-body armor.”
🚨 BREAKING: Authorities are investigating a possible terrorism-related incident after a vehicle rammed into a power substation in Boulder City, Nevada. The driver is deceased. More details as we get them. https://t.co/qX9wJqJq9q
— Las Vegas Metro Police (@LVMPD) February 20, 2026
Maloney’s Background and Communications
Dawson Maloney had been reported missing from Albany, New York, prior to the incident. He rented a car on February 12, 2026, and drove across the country to Boulder City, arriving around February 14, according to FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Delzotto. Prior to the attack, Maloney communicated with family members, making statements referencing self-harm and his intention to commit an act that would attract media coverage. His message to his mother, calling himself a “dead terrorist son,” suggests a premeditated plan and a desire for notoriety.
Two search warrants were executed in Albany, New York, as part of the investigation, Delzotto confirmed. The nature of the items seized during those searches has not been publicly disclosed. Authorities are working to determine a motive for the attack and whether Maloney had any connections to organized extremist groups. The investigation into his background and potential influences is ongoing.
Impact on Power Grid and Public Safety
Despite the alarming nature of the incident, LADWP officials stated there were no impacts or disruptions to their operations. The substation is part of a larger network supplying power to the Los Angeles area, and redundancy measures prevented any service interruptions. Authorities emphasized that there was no reported threat to the public at any time during the event. The focus remains on understanding Maloney’s motivations and ensuring the security of critical infrastructure.
Investigation and Ongoing Security Measures
The investigation is being led by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, with assistance from the FBI and other federal agencies. Investigators are analyzing the contents of Maloney’s vehicle, his electronic devices, and information gathered from search warrants in New York. They are also reviewing surveillance footage from the substation and surrounding areas. NBC News confirms that authorities are treating the incident as a potential act of terrorism.
Security has been heightened at other critical infrastructure facilities in the region, although officials have not disclosed specific measures. The incident serves as a reminder of the potential for lone-wolf attacks and the importance of vigilance in protecting essential services. The FBI continues to urge the public to report any suspicious activity to law enforcement.
The investigation is expected to continue for several weeks as authorities piece together Maloney’s movements and motivations. The FBI will be releasing further updates as they become available. Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department or the FBI.
This incident involving a car crash with explosives at a Nevada power substation highlights the ongoing threat of domestic extremism and the importance of proactive security measures. As the investigation unfolds, authorities will continue to assess the risk and work to prevent future attacks.
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or mental health challenges, please reach out for help. You can contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 in the US and Canada, or by dialing 111 in the UK. These services are available 24/7, free, and confidential. https://988lifeline.org/
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