Terrorism Investigation Ongoing After Man Crashes Rental into Las Vegas Substation

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department is investigating a possible terrorist attack after a New York resident rammed through the gates of a power substation in Boulder City, Nevada, using a rental car, and shot himself.

Now identified as 23-year-old Dawson Maloney, he was reported missing by his family in Albany, New York. Maloney had contacted them shortly before the incident, referencing self-harm and declaring intentions to do something that would put him “on the news”.

Maloney had sent his mother messages referring to himself as a “dead terrorist son”. Surveillance camera recordings of the incident were shown during a press conference.

The facility has not sustained any major damage, and no service disruptions have been called in.

Everything Police Found

After renting out a car, the suspected terrorist had driven across the entire country to Boulder City.

In the rental, several weapons were uncovered. In terms of firearms, Maloney had two shotguns, an AR-style pistol, numerous loaded AR magazines and shotgun shells, as well as two flamethrowers. A crowbar and a hatchet were also found in the vehicle.

Currently police are working through Maloney’s phone.

Police report finding extremist writings covering far-right and far-left ideologies as well as texts supporting white supremacism, environmental extremism, and anti-government beliefs.

In Maloney’s hotel room, materials likely intended to make bombs were found.

Law enforcement performed two lawful searches in Albany, where they found electronics, and at another, they found several gun components and a 3D printer.

The Day of the Incident

Police received a 911 call at around 10 AM, informing them that someone had crashed a vehicle into the fence of the power station, following which they had heard gunshots. 

According to Sheriff Kevin McMahill, officers found Maloney in his vehicle with what appears to have been a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

When he was discovered, Maloney had been wearing soft body armor; in addition, he had been holding a shotgun.

Due to the materials discovered during the search, Metro’s counterterrorism team was called to the scene.

The FBI in both Las Vegas and Albany had been notified following the suspicions of possible terrorism.