FBI and Police Investigate Attempted Attack on Power Substation Near Boulder City

Authorities say Albany resident Dawson Maloney died from self-inflicted gunshot after crashing vehicle into electrical equipment

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The FBI, in coordination with local law enforcement agencies, is investigating an attempted attack on an electrical substation in Boulder City, Nevada on February 19, 2026. The incident involved Albany resident Dawson Maloney, who drove a vehicle through a security gate, crashed into electrical equipment, and was later found deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Authorities seized firearms, flame throwers, chemicals, and other items from Maloney's vehicle and hotel room that indicated potential domestic terrorism ideologies.

Why it matters

Attacks on critical infrastructure like power substations can have widespread impacts on communities and raise national security concerns. This incident highlights the need for vigilance and coordination between federal, state, and local law enforcement to identify and address potential domestic terrorism threats.

The details

According to the announcement, Boulder City Police Department received a report of a vehicle accident and possible shots fired. Maloney, driving the vehicle, approached the security gate, accelerated through a chain link fence, and crashed into electrical equipment. Responding officers found Maloney deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot. Authorities executed search warrants and seized firearms, flame throwers, chemicals, body armor, and electronics from the vehicle and Maloney's hotel room. The investigation revealed Maloney had sent messages to family and friends indicating suicidal and domestic terrorism ideologies.

  • The incident occurred on February 19, 2026 in Boulder City, Nevada.
  • Maloney rented a car in Albany, New York on February 12 and departed the area on the 14th to drive across the country to Boulder City.

The players

Dawson Maloney

A resident of Albany, New York who was found deceased at the scene from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound after crashing a vehicle into an electrical substation in Boulder City, Nevada.

FBI Albany

The FBI field office in Albany, New York that is coordinating the investigation with other law enforcement agencies.

FBI Las Vegas

The FBI field office in Las Vegas, Nevada that is assisting in the investigation.

Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department

The local law enforcement agency in Las Vegas, Nevada that is involved in the investigation.

Boulder City Police Department

The local law enforcement agency in Boulder City, Nevada that initially responded to the incident.

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What’s next

The investigation is ongoing as authorities continue to process evidence and determine Maloney's motives and any potential co-conspirators.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the importance of robust security measures and vigilant monitoring of critical infrastructure, as well as the need for strong coordination between federal, state, and local law enforcement to identify and address domestic terrorism threats before they can be carried out.