Las Vegas Police Investigate Substation Ramming as Terrorism

Authorities say the 23-year-old driver from New York had extremist materials and weapons in his possession.

Feb. 21, 2026 at 1:18am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Las Vegas police are investigating a car ramming incident at a power substation on Thursday as a terrorism-related event. The driver, 23-year-old Dawson Maloney from Albany, New York, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Authorities found explosive materials, extremist books, and multiple firearms in Maloney's possession, leading them to believe this was an intentional act.

Why it matters

This incident raises concerns about the security of critical infrastructure like power substations, which are vulnerable to attacks that could disrupt electricity service for millions. It also highlights the threat of domestic terrorism and the need for vigilance in identifying and addressing extremist ideologies.

The details

Police responded to a 911 call about a vehicle crashing through a secured gate at a power substation in Boulder City, Nevada on Thursday morning. The driver, Dawson Maloney, was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Authorities discovered explosive materials, books related to extremist ideologies, and multiple firearms including an assault rifle-style pistol and flamethrowers in Maloney's possession. Maloney had communicated with his family about committing an act that would place him 'on the news' and referred to himself as a 'terrorist' in a message to his mother.

  • The incident occurred on Thursday, February 21, 2026 at around 10 a.m.

The players

Dawson Maloney

A 23-year-old man from Albany, New York who rammed his vehicle into a power substation in Boulder City, Nevada. Maloney died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound and authorities found extremist materials and weapons in his possession.

Kevin McMahill

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Sheriff who held a news conference about the incident and described it as a 'terrorism-related event'.

Christopher Delzano

The FBI's Las Vegas special agent-in-charge who provided details about Maloney's travel from Albany, New York to Boulder City, Nevada.

Timothy Shea

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

Tom Torello

The director of communications and marketing at Albany Law School, where Maloney was a student, who expressed sadness over the tragic incident.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

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

— Kevin McMahill, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Sheriff

“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

What’s next

Authorities will continue investigating the motive and any potential connections or accomplices related to Dawson Maloney's actions. The FBI and local law enforcement will also assess the security of critical infrastructure like power substations to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The takeaway

This event underscores the ongoing threat of domestic terrorism and the vulnerability of the nation's power grid to intentional attacks. It highlights the need for heightened vigilance, information sharing, and coordinated security measures to protect critical infrastructure and public safety.