Law Student Attempts Terrorist Attack On Hoover Dam System

Above the Law

by Joe Patrice

February 23, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

A law student from Albany Law School, Dawson Maloney, has died after attempting a terrorist attack on the Hoover Dam's power substation in Boulder City, Nevada. Maloney, a 2L, rented a car loaded with weapons and explosives and drove it into the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power substation. Although no damage was caused to the facility itself, the incident raises serious concerns about radicalization and security vulnerabilities. Maloney's cross-country trip began on Valentine's Day, during which he communicated with his family about his plans to make news through a "terrorist act." His rented Nissan Sentra was equipped with two shotguns, an assault rifle-style pistol, and flame throwers. Upon reaching the substation, Maloney rammed the vehicle into the gate, triggering a response from law enforcement. Authorities later discovered explosive materials in his hotel room, along with a collection of radical literature spanning various ideologies, including right-wing extremism, environmental extremism, white supremacy, and anti-government rhetoric. The incident highlights the growing concern over radicalization among students and individuals exposed to extremist content. Maloney's case is particularly alarming because he was a law student, supposedly equipped with critical thinking skills yet seemingly influenced by ideologies that led him to plan such an attack. Law enforcement emphasized the importance of vigilance in identifying signs of radicalization, especially given the ease with which misinformation spreads on social media platforms. This event underscores the need for universities and society at large to address the risks of extremism and its potential consequences. The legal community, in particular, may face increased scrutiny over their responsibility to identify and prevent such threats within academic institutions. As Maloney's case demonstrates, radicalization can affect even those with access to higher education, making it a pressing issue for policymakers and educators alike. The Hoover Dam has been targeted before, including historical attempts by Nazis in 1

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Originally published on Above the Law on 2/23/2026