A 23-year-old man from Albany, New York, is dead after attempting to crash his vehicle into a Los Angeles Department of Water and Power substation near the Hoover Dam on Thursday, February 19, 2026. Authorities are investigating the incident as a potential act of terrorism.
Details of the Incident
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Sheriff Kevin McMahill identified the suspect as Dawson Noah Maloney. Maloney fatally shot himself after crashing a rented Nissan Sentra into industrial wire reels at the facility, located outside Boulder City, Nevada. There was no immediate threat to the public, and no major damage occurred to the substation, which transfers power from the Hoover Dam to Los Angeles.
According to Sheriff McMahill, Maloney had communicated with family members prior to the incident, referencing self-harm and a desire to “be on the news.” In a message to his mother, he reportedly referred to himself as a “dead terrorist son” and stated he felt compelled to carry out the act.
Investigators discovered an array of weapons in the vehicle, including two shotguns, an AR-style pistol, flamethrowers, a crowbar, and a hatchet. Maloney was also wearing soft body armor. Evidence collected at the El Rancho Boulder Motel, where Maloney was staying, included “books related to extremist ideology,” encompassing right-wing, left-wing, environmental, white supremacist, and anti-government perspectives.
Authorities also found materials at the motel that could be used to create explosives, including metal pipes and gasoline. The FBI is leading the investigation.
Broader Context
Sheriff McMahill referenced the incident while discussing previous counter-terrorism events in Las Vegas, including an explosion outside the Trump International Hotel in January 2025 and the discovery of a biolab in a home earlier this month.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the status of the investigation?
The FBI is leading the investigation into the incident, examining Maloney’s computer and documents to determine a definitive motive.
Was there any disruption to power service?
No, authorities reported no threat to the public and no major damage to the substation, meaning there was no disruption to power service.
What type of facility was targeted?
The targeted facility is owned by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and transfers electricity from the Hoover Dam to the Los Angeles basin.
As investigators continue to analyze the evidence, the full scope of Maloney’s motivations and any potential connections to broader networks remains unclear.
