Suspect Dead After Alleged Attempt to Ram Nevada Power Substation

Authorities investigating 'counter terrorism incident' involving a 23-year-old New York man

Feb. 21, 2026 at 4:21am

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Authorities in Nevada are investigating a 'counter terrorism incident' involving a 23-year-old man from Albany, New York who allegedly tried to ram a vehicle into a power and water facility near Boulder City, Nevada on Thursday afternoon. The suspect, identified as Dawson Maloney, died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound after crashing through the facility's gate. Police recovered firearms, explosive materials, and extremist literature in Maloney's hotel room.

Why it matters

The attempted attack on the power substation raises concerns about the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to potential acts of domestic terrorism. Authorities are investigating Maloney's motives and whether he had any accomplices or connections to extremist groups.

The details

According to police, Maloney traveled from New York to Nevada with the intent to cause chaos. He made contact with his family just before the attempted ramming, referring to himself as a 'dead terrorist son' and stating he felt obligated to carry out the act. Maloney was wearing soft body armor at the time of the incident. Investigators found thermite, ammonium nitrate, magnesium ribbon, metal pipes, gasoline, and multiple firearms including shotguns, an AR-style pistol, and two flamethrowers in Maloney's hotel room.

  • The incident began unfolding around 10 a.m. local time on Friday, February 20, 2026.
  • Maloney rented a vehicle on February 12 and departed the Albany area around February 14, driving across the country to Boulder City.

The players

Dawson Maloney

A 23-year-old man from Albany, New York who allegedly attempted to ram a vehicle into a power and water facility near Boulder City, Nevada. Maloney died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound after crashing through the facility's gate.

Kevin McMahill

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Sheriff who spoke at a press conference about the incident.

Christopher Delzotto

The FBI Special Agent in Charge who provided details about Maloney's travel from New York to Nevada.

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What they’re saying

“The suspect had made multiple statements referencing self harm and alluding to committing an act that would place him 'on the news.' In a message to his mother, the suspect referred to himself as a 'dead terrorist son' and stated he felt he had an obligation to carry out his act.”

— Kevin McMahill, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Sheriff

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

— Kevin McMahill, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Sheriff

What’s next

Investigators are still working to determine Maloney's exact motivation behind the attempted attack. They will also continue searching for any potential accomplices or connections to extremist groups.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing threat of domestic terrorism and the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to potential attacks. Authorities will likely increase security measures at power and water facilities in the region to prevent similar incidents in the future.