FBI and Las Vegas police investigate suspected case of terrorism
The FBI and local police are investigating a suspected act of terrorism involving a man who crashed a rented car into a power substation in Las Vegas before committing suicide.
Authorities in Las Vegas are investigating a suspected terrorist incident following a crash at a power substation. A 23-year-old man, identified as Dawson Noah Maloney, drove from New York and crashed his rented Nissan Sentra into the facility before fatally shooting himself. Police reported that he was wearing body armor at the time of the incident, raising suspicions about his intent. Sheriff Kevin McMahill indicated that there is currently no ongoing threat to the public after the event was initially reported as a suicide.
Upon investigation of the suspectβs vehicle, police found a cache of weapons, including two shotguns, an AR-style pistol, and numerous rounds of ammunition. Additionally, they uncovered two flamethrowers and tools that could be potentially used for harm. In a deeper investigation at his hotel room, materials for making explosives were found, such as thermite and ammonium nitrate, indicating a premeditated plan for a violent act. This troubling discovery has led officials to classify the situation as a suspected act of terrorism.
The investigation is ongoing, with FBI involvement aimed at determining the full scope of Maloney's intentions. While the immediate threat has been mitigated, the presence of explosive-making materials and weapons has caused alarm among local authorities and underscores broader concerns regarding domestic terrorism and public safety. Tighter security measures and continued vigilance are likely responses as the investigation unfolds.