Las Vegas Police Investigate Terrorism-Related Incident After Car Rams Power Substation

Explosives and extremist materials found in suspect's hotel room and car

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Las Vegas police are investigating a 'terrorism-related event' after a 23-year-old man from Albany, New York rammed his car into a power substation in Boulder City, located southeast of Las Vegas. The driver, Dawson Maloney, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Authorities found explosive materials and multiple books related to extremist ideologies in Maloney's hotel room and car, which also contained firearms and other weapons.

Why it matters

This incident raises concerns about the security of critical infrastructure, such as power substations, and the potential threat of domestic terrorism. It also highlights the need for vigilance and coordination between law enforcement and utility providers to protect the nation's electricity transmission network.

The details

According to police, Maloney communicated with his family before the crash, referencing self-harm and stating he was going to commit an act that would place him on the news. He referred to himself as a terrorist in a message to his mother. Authorities found explosive materials, books related to right-wing, left-wing, environmental, white supremacist, and anti-government extremism, as well as firearms and other weapons in Maloney's hotel room and rental car.

  • The incident occurred on Thursday, February 20, 2026 at around 10 a.m.

The players

Dawson Maloney

A 23-year-old man from Albany, New York who rammed his car into a power substation in Boulder City, Nevada and died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Kevin McMahill

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Sheriff who provided details about the incident during a news conference.

Timothy Shea

The Boulder City Police Chief who stated there is no evidence of major damage to critical infrastructure and no service disruptions.

Tom Torello

The director of communications and marketing at Albany Law School, where Maloney was a student.

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What they’re saying

“We are heartbroken to hear of the tragic passing of one of our law students, Dawson Maloney, in an off-campus incident.”

— Tom Torello, Director of Communications and Marketing, Albany Law School (Associated Press)

What’s next

Authorities will continue to investigate the motive and any potential connections or accomplices related to this incident.

The takeaway

This terrorism-related event highlights the ongoing threat to critical infrastructure and the need for heightened security measures to protect power substations and other vital facilities from potential attacks.