BOULDER CITY, Nev. — Las Vegas police are investigating a fatal crash into a power substation near the Hoover Dam as a potential terrorism-related incident, authorities announced Friday. The driver, identified as 23-year-old Dawson Maloney from Albany, New York, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after ramming his vehicle through a secured gate at the facility Thursday morning.
The episode unfolded around 10 a.m. when police received a 911 call reporting the breach at the substation in Boulder City, about 25 miles southeast of Las Vegas, according to Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Sheriff Kevin McMahill. Maloney, who had been reported missing by his family, had sent messages indicating intentions of self-harm and a desire to make headlines, police said. In one communication to his mother, he referred to himself as a terrorist, McMahill told reporters during a news conference.
Officers arriving at the scene found Maloney deceased inside the rental car, which had crashed into the substation owned by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. The facility plays a key role in transmitting hydroelectric power from the Hoover Dam to the Los Angeles basin, providing energy to millions across Nevada, Arizona, and California. Despite the dramatic nature of the incident, McMahill emphasized that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Investigators uncovered several alarming items linked to Maloney that have heightened concerns about the event's motivations. In his hotel room, authorities discovered explosive materials and multiple books related to extremist ideologies, including topics on right-wing and left-wing extremism, environmental extremism, white supremacism, and anti-government sentiments, McMahill said. "These findings significantly elevate the seriousness of this incident," the sheriff stated.
Inside the vehicle, police recovered two shotguns, an assault rifle-style pistol, and flame throwers, according to McMahill. Maloney was also wearing what officers described as soft-body armor at the time of the crash. Further searches at an Albany residence associated with him yielded a 3D printer and several components needed to assemble a firearm, adding to the profile of a planned act beyond a simple accident.
Maloney's background as a promising student contrasts sharply with the circumstances of his death. He was enrolled at Albany Law School in the class of 2027 and had been an honors student for multiple semesters at Siena University, both in New York. "We are heartbroken to hear of the tragic passing of one of our law students, Dawson Maloney, in an off-campus incident," said Tom Torello, director of communications and marketing at Albany Law School, in a statement to the press.
The substation itself sustained no major damage, and there were no disruptions to power services, according to Boulder City Police Chief Timothy Shea. The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power confirmed in a statement to The Associated Press that it was aware of the incident but reported no impacts or operational interruptions. The Hoover Dam, a nearby landmark and one of the country's engineering marvels, generates an average of 4 billion kilowatt-hours of hydroelectric power annually, underscoring the critical nature of the infrastructure in the region.
Boulder City, a historic town founded in the 1930s to house workers building the Hoover Dam, has long been tied to the site's operations. The dam not only controls flooding on the Colorado River but also supplies water to millions in the Southwest. While the substation attack did not affect these vital functions, it has renewed discussions about vulnerabilities in the nation's power grid.
This event echoes a similar incident in 2023, when a man drove a car through a fence at a solar power facility northeast of Las Vegas and set the vehicle on fire. That facility powered casinos on the Las Vegas Strip, and the perpetrator was later declared unfit for trial. Federal officials have expressed ongoing concerns about the security of electrical substations following attacks in states like Washington, Oregon, and North Carolina, where gunfire and vandalism have targeted transmission networks.
In the wake of those episodes, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Homeland Security have warned of potential threats to critical infrastructure from domestic extremists. The 2023 Metcalf substation attack in California, for instance, involved snipers damaging equipment and costing millions in repairs, though no group claimed responsibility. Experts have noted that such sites are often lightly guarded, making them attractive targets for those seeking to disrupt services or send a message.
McMahill did not speculate on Maloney's specific ideological leanings during the briefing, given the diverse range of materials found. The books in his possession spanned a broad spectrum of extremism, from far-right white supremacist texts to anti-government manifestos and even environmental radicalism. Police are working with federal agencies to analyze the explosives and digital communications for further clues.
Family members, reached briefly by investigators before the incident, had alerted authorities after Maloney's concerning messages. He had mentioned traveling west and hinted at a dramatic act that would garner media attention. According to police, these warnings came too late to prevent the crash, but they provided early insight into his state of mind.
As the investigation continues, local officials in Boulder City and Las Vegas are coordinating with the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force. McMahill said forensic teams are examining the vehicle and substation for any additional evidence, while mental health experts are being consulted to understand contributing factors. No arrests have been made, and authorities believe Maloney acted alone.
The incident has prompted a review of security protocols at regional power facilities. The Hoover Dam, already under tight federal protection, saw increased patrols in the hours following the crash, though no threats were identified. Environmental groups and energy advocates have called for bolstered defenses against lone-wolf actors, citing the rising incidence of infrastructure sabotage amid political tensions.
Broader implications extend to the fragility of the U.S. electrical grid, which experts say is ill-prepared for coordinated attacks. A 2022 report by the Government Accountability Office highlighted gaps in substation protections, recommending billions in investments. While Maloney's case appears isolated, it serves as a stark reminder of how personal despair can intersect with ideological fervor to threaten public safety.
Community leaders in Albany, New York, expressed shock over the news. Siena University, where Maloney excelled academically, issued a brief statement offering condolences but declining further comment pending the investigation. As details emerge, the focus remains on piecing together Maloney's path from student to the scene of this tragic event.
For now, Boulder City residents and visitors to the Hoover Dam area report a sense of unease but no panic. Tourism to the site, which draws millions annually for its scenic views and historical significance, continues uninterrupted. Officials urge the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity, emphasizing that the region's power supply remains stable.
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department plans to provide updates as the probe advances, potentially reclassifying the incident based on new evidence. In the meantime, the story of Dawson Maloney—a young man with a bright future derailed—raises questions about warning signs, mental health support, and the allure of extremism in an era of widespread discontent.