Car Rams Into Power Substation Near Las Vegas, Investigated as Possible Terrorism

The driver, a 23-year-old man from Albany, New York, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, police say.

Feb. 21, 2026 at 12:03am

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Police are investigating a car ramming incident at a power substation near Las Vegas, Nevada, as a potential terrorism-related event. The driver, a 23-year-old man from Albany, New York, had been reported missing and died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the scene. Authorities found explosive materials and books related to extremist ideologies in the driver's hotel room and rental car.

Why it matters

This incident raises concerns about the security of critical infrastructure, particularly power substations, and the potential threat of domestic terrorism. It comes after similar attacks on electrical facilities in other states, highlighting the vulnerability of the nation's electricity transmission network.

The details

The car rammed into a power substation in Boulder City, Nevada, about 25 miles southeast of Las Vegas, on Thursday morning. The driver, Dawson Maloney, had communicated with his family before the crash, referencing self-harm and saying he was going to commit an act that would place him on the news. Maloney referred to himself as a terrorist in a message to his mother. Authorities found explosive materials, multiple books related to extremist ideologies, two shotguns, an assault rifle-style pistol, and flame throwers in Maloney's rental car and hotel room.

  • The incident was reported on Thursday morning, February 21, 2026.
  • Maloney had been reported missing prior to the incident.

The players

Dawson Maloney

A 23-year-old man from Albany, New York, who died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after ramming his car into the power substation. Authorities found extremist materials in his possession.

Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department

The law enforcement agency investigating the incident as a potential terrorism-related event.

Los Angeles Department of Water and Power

The owner of the power substation that was rammed, which works closely with the nearby Hoover Dam and transfers power to the Los Angeles basin.

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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 at Albany Law School

“These findings significantly elevate the seriousness of this incident.”

— Kevin McMahill, Sheriff, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department

What’s next

Authorities will continue to investigate the incident and the driver's background to determine if it was an act of domestic terrorism. The power substation's operations are expected to resume without disruption.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing threat of attacks on critical infrastructure, particularly power facilities, and the need for heightened security measures to protect against potential acts of domestic terrorism.