Car loaded with weapons crashes into Nevada substation in suspected act of terror

A 23-year-old man from New York drove across the country with an arsenal in his rental car, then crashed it into a Nevada power substation before killing himself in what police are calling a potential "terrorism-related event."

Here’s the latest from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and the FBI: 

What happened? 

What we know:

In a news conference Friday, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Sheriff Kevin McMahill said a 23-year-old man told his family he wanted to do something that would get him "on the news." He then drove across the country in a rental car and crashed it into the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power facility near Boulder City, Nevada, about 10 a.m. local time Thursday. 

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The suspect’s car was stopped by large, industrial wire reels, which may have led to his suicide, according to McMahill. The suspect was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was wearing soft body armor and holding a shotgun when he was found. 

Two shotguns, an AR-style pistol, numerous loaded AR magazines, a box of shotgun shells, two flamethrowers containing thermite material, a crowbar and a hatchet were found inside the car. Police said they’re treating the incident as a potential act of terror. 

There was no major damage to infrastructure at the power station. Authorities said there’s no ongoing threat to the public. 

What's next:

Police are analyzing a cell phone found at the scene while the investigation continues. The FBI is assisting. 

Who is the suspect? 

Dig deeper:

The suspect is Dawson Maloney, 23, of Albany, New York, police said. 

Investigators found several books in Maloney's hotel room with extremist ideologies, including right- and left-wing extremism, environmental extremism, white supremacy and anti-government sentiments. 

Authorities also found explosive materials and components including thermite, ammonium nitrate, magnesium ribbon, metal pipes and gasoline.

Malony reportedly called himself a "dead terrorist son" in a message to his mother. He also told her he "had an obligation to carry out this act," McMahill said.