Authorities apprehended North Carolina pastor David McGee in Las Vegas last month under distressing circumstances involving firearms and drugs.

David McGee's arrest in a Vegas hotel with several firearms and drugs provokes concerns over potential mass shooting plans, the New York Post reported.

Authorities found McGee, a senior pastor at the Bridge Fellowship in North Carolina, in a hotel room at the Strat Hotel Casino & Tower, unexpectedly equipped with guns and drugs. This discovery first came to light when McGee himself contacted the police, complaining that something was missing from his hotel room.

During the police investigation, McGee admitted to having a gun inside his guitar case when officers inquired about any weapons in his possession. This admission led to his arrest, highlighting a perplexing scenario given the senior pastor's role and reputation back home.

McGee's Troubling Admission And Immediate Arrest

The police's visit to McGee's hotel room not only confirmed the presence of the mentioned firearm but also led to the discovery of several other guns, including an AR-15 with a scope. The presence of such firearms, especially the AR-15, quickly sparked fears regarding the planning of a mass shooting, paralleling the tragic 2017 incident in the same city.

Considering the heightened security measures in Las Vegas hotels since the 2017 mass shooting, the ease with which McGee managed to bring these weapons into his hotel room raised significant questions about hotel security protocols. Previously, McGee had been cautioned for attempting to bring a shotgun into his hotel room.

Further investigations by counter-terrorism officers into McGee's activities uncovered not just the firearms but also drugs, specifically fentanyl pills and powder. McGee, during his interaction with the detectives, confessed to transporting the fentanyl from North Carolina, acquiring it for around $1,000 with the intent to give it to his daughter, whom he believed was in tunnels under Las Vegas.

The Intent Behind McGee's Visit To Las Vegas

The pastor had traveled to Las Vegas on a private jet, driven by a desperate attempt to locate his daughter. In a prior Facebook post, he detailed his belief that she was living in tunnels beneath the city and implored his friends and followers to pray for him during this daunting endeavor.

On August 29, almost a week after his arrest, McGee’s wife updated friends and followers via social media that he had been in touch with their daughter. She asked for prayers for his health, wisdom, safety, and discernment, illustrating the continued concern for their family's well-being following the unsettling series of events.

Although authorities scheduled McGee to attend a probable cause hearing the day after his arrest, he missed it due to medical reasons. This has raised many questions, as the court did not set bail and had not officially filed charges at that time. He is now set to return to court on December 19.

Community Reaction And Legal Proceedings Ahead

The community in North Carolina has responded with shock and bewilderment to the news of their senior pastor's arrest under such alarming circumstances. Congregation members of the Bridge Fellowship have expressed a mixture of concern for their pastor's well-being and disbelief at the allegations against him.

On the legal front, while rumors of a thwarted terror plot swirled immediately following McGee's arrest, Las Vegas police clarified in a press release dated August 20 that such rumors were unsubstantiated. However, the serious nature of the firearms and drugs found ensures that the investigation remains a priority.

The case continues to develop as the December court date approaches, with the potential legal consequences facing McGee remaining a point of speculation and concern among his family, congregation, and the broader community. As this situation unfolds, it poses serious questions about the responsibilities and lifestyles of those in positions of leadership and trust.