Suspected Terrorism Incident in Nevada: Man Crashes into Power Facility

Boulder City, Nevada – Authorities are investigating a vehicle ramming into a Nevada power facility as a potential act of terrorism. The incident occurred Thursday near Boulder City, approximately 25 miles southeast of Las Vegas, and resulted in the death of the driver.

Suspect Identified and Motive

The driver has been identified as Dawson Noah Maloney, 23, of Albany, New York. He was reported missing from New York prior to the incident . According to Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Sheriff Kevin McMahill, Maloney communicated with family members before the crash, expressing intentions of self-harm and stating he would commit an act that would garner media attention . He even referred to himself as a terrorist in a message to his mother .

Details of the Incident

Maloney intentionally drove a rental car through a secure gate protecting a Los Angeles Department of Water and Power facility at approximately 10 a.m. Local time on Thursday . The vehicle was stopped by large industrial wire reels, after which Maloney shot himself . He was found dead at the scene, wearing soft body armor and holding a shotgun .

Weapons and Materials Discovered

A search of Maloney’s vehicle revealed an arsenal of weapons, including two shotguns, an AR-style pistol, several magazines loaded with .223 ammunition, a box of shotgun shells, two flame-throwers, a crowbar, and a hatchet . Authorities also discovered a cell phone in the vehicle.

A subsequent search of Maloney’s hotel room uncovered materials for making explosives, including thermite, ammonium nitrate, magnesium ribbon, metal pipes, and gasoline . Police found several books related to extremist ideologies, encompassing right-wing, left-wing, environmental, white supremacist, and anti-government perspectives .

Further investigation led to the recovery of several gun components needed to assemble a firearm from Maloney’s residence in Albany, New York .

Impact and Investigation

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power facility works closely with the Hoover Dam, which provides water and power to millions in Nevada, Arizona, and California . Boulder City Police Chief Timothy Shea stated there was no evidence of major damage to critical infrastructure and no service disruptions .

The FBI and Las Vegas police are jointly investigating the incident as a potential act of terrorism . Authorities have confirmed there is no ongoing threat to the public .