Las Vegas Police Investigate Possible Terrorist Attack After Man Crashes Into Power Substation

Authorities say the 23-year-old suspect from New York had extremist materials and died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Las Vegas police are investigating a possible terrorist attack after a 23-year-old man from Albany, New York crashed his vehicle into a power substation in Boulder City, Nevada. The suspect, identified as Dawson Maloney, was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, and authorities discovered extremist materials and weapons like flamethrowers and an AR-style pistol in his vehicle.

Why it matters

This incident raises concerns about domestic terrorism and the potential vulnerability of critical infrastructure like power substations to attacks. Authorities are working to determine the suspect's motives and whether he had any accomplices or ties to extremist groups.

The details

According to police, Maloney recently went missing from New York and communicated with family members before the incident, making statements referencing self-harm and suggesting he intended to commit an act that would put him "on the news." Maloney crashed his vehicle through a secure gate at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power facility in Boulder City. No significant damage was done to the power station, and no services were disrupted.

  • On February 20, 2026, Maloney crashed his vehicle into the power substation in Boulder City, Nevada.

The players

Dawson Maloney

A 23-year-old man from Albany, New York who was reported missing and is suspected of carrying out a possible terrorist attack by crashing his vehicle into a power substation in Boulder City, Nevada.

Kevin McMahill

The sheriff of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, who provided details about the investigation during a press conference.

Tim Shay

The chief of the Boulder City Police Department, who stated that there was no significant damage to the power station and no services were disrupted.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

Authorities are continuing to investigate Maloney's motives and any potential connections to extremist groups or other individuals who may have been involved in the incident.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing threat of domestic terrorism and the need for vigilance in protecting critical infrastructure like power substations from potential attacks. It also raises questions about mental health, extremism, and the role of law enforcement in preventing such incidents.