Pastor arrested in Vegas hotel with guns and drugs on August 20

David McGee, a 61-year-old senior pastor from North Carolina, was arrested on August 20 in Las Vegas after counter-terrorism police responded to his hotel room at the Strat Hotel Casino & Tower. McGee had reported a missing property and claimed he was in Las Vegas to find his daughter. Upon questioning, he admitted to having a gun in his guitar case, raising suspicions among the officers due to the presence of multiple firearms, including an AR-15. The police were particularly concerned given the history of mass shootings in Las Vegas, notably the tragic event on October 1, 2017. Hotel staff had previously warned McGee about their firearms policy after he allegedly brought a shotgun to his room. Although the police later clarified that there was no active terror plot, the situation was treated with caution due to the potential for violence. In addition to the firearms, officers discovered suspected fentanyl pills and powder in McGee's possession. He reportedly brought the drugs from North Carolina on his private jet, intending to distribute them to his daughter. McGee stated he was a user of fentanyl and had paid around $1,000 for the drugs. Following his arrest, McGee did not attend his probable cause hearing due to medical issues and is scheduled to return to court on December 19. His case has raised concerns about the safety of hotel guests and the potential for similar incidents in the future, prompting law enforcement to remain vigilant in monitoring suspicious activities in the area.