BOULDER CITY, NEV., Authorities are investigating a vehicle crash at a power substation near Boulder City as a terrorism-related incident after the suspect, identified as Dawson Noah Maloney of New York state, allegedly drove into the facility before fatally shooting himself.
During a press conference, law enforcement officials said Maloney had traveled from New York to Nevada in a rental vehicle. License plate reader data was used to track his route across multiple states.
Investigators also stated that he had recently been reported missing in New York and had communicated with family members prior to the incident.
According to authorities, Maloney made statements referencing self-harm and indicating a desire to carry out an act that would draw media attention. In a message to his mother, he reportedly described himself using alarming language and suggested he felt compelled to carry out the act.
A search of the suspect’s hotel room led investigators to recover various materials and literature that officials described as consistent with preparations for a violent act. Authorities said books referencing different extremist ideologies were found, along with items considered hazardous.
Law enforcement officials also reported recovering explosive-related materials and components, including thermite, ammonium nitrate, magnesium ribbon, metal pipes, and gasoline.
A subsequent search of the rental vehicle uncovered two shotguns, an AR-style pistol, multiple loaded magazines containing .223 ammunition, a box of shotgun shells, two devices described by authorities as flamethrowers containing thermite material, a crowbar, a hatchet, and a cellular phone that is currently undergoing forensic analysis.
Officials confirmed the suspect was wearing soft body armor at the time of the crash.
Authorities emphasized that the case is being handled as a terrorism-related investigation and remains active. Additional details regarding the suspect’s motives and any possible affiliations are still under review.
No other injuries were reported in connection with the substation crash. Law enforcement agencies continue to evaluate the broader public safety implications of the incident.
