A man identified as Dawson Maloney, 34, of Albany, Modern York, died by suicide after attempting to damage a power substation outside Boulder City, Nevada, on Thursday, authorities said. The incident, initially described by some officials as a potential act of terrorism, prompted a swift response from local and federal law enforcement.
According to the Boulder City Police Department, Maloney deliberately rammed a vehicle into the substation. He was armed with explosives and weapons at the time of the attack. Police responded to the scene and engaged Maloney, who subsequently shot himself. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Hoover Dam, located nearby, was briefly placed on lockdown as a precautionary measure, though authorities quickly determined there was no direct threat to the dam itself. The Federal Protective Service confirmed the lockdown and subsequent reopening, stating it was a standard protocol given the proximity of the incident.
Investigators have identified Maloney as the sole actor in the incident. The motivation behind the attack remains under investigation, but authorities have characterized it as an intentional act targeting critical infrastructure.
Maloney was a student at Albany Law School. Details regarding his background and potential motives are still emerging.
The KSNV reported that Maloney was carrying explosives and weapons when he targeted the power substation. The incident caused temporary power outages in the surrounding area, but power was restored within hours.
The New York Times reported that law enforcement officials are treating the incident as an act of terrorism. However, the investigation is ongoing, and no formal charges have been filed.
As of Friday evening, the FBI field office in Las Vegas is assisting local authorities with the investigation. A spokesperson for the FBI declined to comment on the specifics of the investigation, citing its ongoing nature. The Bureau has not released any information regarding potential connections to extremist groups or ideologies.
The power substation remains under increased security as crews assess the extent of the damage. Officials from the power company have not yet released a timeline for full repairs.
