Man Dead After Ramming Nevada Power Substation
Authorities labeled the case a "counter terrorism" investigation after a vehicle breached a Los Angeles Department of Water and Power substation; weapons, explosive materials and extremist literature were recovered.
Overview
Authorities said 23-year-old Dawson Maloney of Albany, New York, was found dead of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot and that they are investigating the incident as a "counter terrorism" matter, Sheriff Kevin McMahill said.
A 911 caller reported a vehicle crashed through a secured gate at a Los Angeles Department of Water and Power substation at around 10 a.m., and video showed the car ramming the facility, officials said.
Investigators said Maloney had driven from New York in a rental vehicle rented on Feb. 12 and that he departed the area around Feb. 14, according to FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Delzotto.
Officials said they recovered two shotguns, an AR-style pistol, numerous loaded AR magazines, shotgun shells, two devices described as flamethrowers with thermite, ammonium nitrate and other explosive components, and books with extremist ideologies.
Boulder City police said there was no indication of major damage to critical infrastructure or service disruptions, investigators have not determined a motive, and a cellphone is undergoing forensic analysis, officials said.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the event as a potential terrorism incident by leading with "possible terrorism," foregrounding weapons, explosive materials, and "soft-body armor," and invoking nearby critical infrastructure (Hoover Dam). Source content (police statements about self-harm and "no ongoing threat") appears but is presented later, reducing its mitigating effect.
Sources (3)
FAQ
Two shotguns, an AR-style pistol, numerous loaded AR magazines, shotgun shells, two flamethrowers with thermite, ammonium nitrate, metal pipes, gasoline, a crowbar, and a hatchet were recovered from the vehicle.[1]
Books related to right- and left-wing extremism, environmental extremism, white supremacy, and anti-government ideology were found in Maloney's hotel room.[1]
There was no indication of major damage to critical infrastructure or service disruptions at the substation.[1]
Maloney told his family he felt an obligation to carry out his act, referred to himself as a 'dead terrorist son,' and made references to self-harm and getting on the news.[1]
Investigators have not determined a motive, and a cellphone from the car is undergoing forensic analysis.[1]
History
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