This article includes discussions of suicide. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, please reach out to the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
In a shocking event that authorities are investigating as a potential act of terrorism, a 23-year-old man from Albany, New York, undertook a cross-country journey with the alleged intention of committing an act that would make headlines. On Thursday, he crashed his vehicle into a power facility in Nevada while heavily armed.
The individual, identified as Dawson Maloney, was discovered deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was found wearing soft body armor and holding a shotgun, according to Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Sheriff Kevin McMahill during a Friday news conference.
Maloney had been reported missing in New York prior to the incident. Authorities revealed he purposefully drove a rental car through a secured gate at a Los Angeles Department of Water and Power facility near Boulder City around 10 a.m. local time on Thursday.
Surveillance footage captured the vehicle, registered with New York license plates, accelerating towards and ultimately breaching the facility’s perimeter fence.
The incident, involving Dawson Maloney’s crash into the power station near Las Vegas, is under scrutiny as officials seek to understand his motives and actions. (KVVU)
Maloney’s car was stopped by large, industrial wire reels, seemingly leading to his subsequent suicide, according to McMahill. He added that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Officials said he spoke to his family prior to the attack and made multiple references to self harm and committing an act that would place him “on the news.”
In a message to his mother, Maloney referred to himself as a “dead terrorist son” and said he felt he “had an obligation to carry out his act,” according to McMahill.
The FBI is investigating an apparent attack Thursday in Boulder City, Nev. (KVVU)
Two shotguns, an AR-style pistol, numerous loaded AR magazines, a box of shotgun shells, two flamethrowers containing thermite material, a crowbar and hatchet were found inside the car, leading the incident to be treated as a “terrorism related event,” according to McMahill.
Multiple weapons were found inside the rental car, according to officials. (KVVU)
Multiple books were found in Maloney’s hotel room related to extremist ideologies, including right- and left-wing extremism, environmental extremism, white supremacy and anti-government ideology.
Authorities also recovered explosive materials and components to include thermite, ammonium nitrate, magnesium ribbon, metal pipes, and gasoline.
The FBI is investigating an apparent attack on a power station on Thursday in Boulder City, Nev. (KVVU)
A cellphone found in the car is being forensically analyzed, according to McMahill.
Boulder City Police Chief Tim Shea said there is no major damage to critical infrastructure.
The FBI is investigating an apparent attack Thursday in Boulder City, Nevada. (KVVU)
Officials said there is no ongoing threat to the community.
The FBI is assisting with the investigation.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
