A counter-terrorism investigation is underway following a car crash into a power substation outside Boulder City, Nevada, on Thursday morning.
According to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD), 23-year-old Dawson Maloney of Albany, New York, was found dead at the scene.
Emergency responders from LVMPD were notified at approximately 1 p.m., with the counter-terrorism section deploying to the scene shortly after. Authorities reported no service interruptions at the substation.
Maloney died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after crashing into the gate. He was also found in possession of a shotgun and wearing soft-body armor, according to investigators.
LVMPD is treating the case seriously, as officials revealed Maloney purportedly aimed to cause chaos. He had reportedly rented a vehicle on February 12 and traveled to Nevada, with license plate readers tracking his route. Authorities indicated that Maloney had been reported missing and had communicated with family members about committing a newsworthy act.
Investigators confiscated multiple firearms, ammunition, and other items, including flamethrowers and extremist literature, from Maloney's vehicle and motel room. Searches of two locations in Albany yielded firearm assembly components and a 3D printer.
Officials assert there is no ongoing threat to the public, but the motive behind targeting the substation remains unclear.