An Oregon man has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for plotting a mass shooting at a popular rock climbing festival.
Samson Garner, 41, was convicted on multiple felony charges, including attempted murder, according to Oregon Public Broadcasting, KPTV and KGW, which also reported his three-decade sentence.
Police in Portland were alerted to Garner’s plan to carry out a mass shooting at the 2023 Smith Rock Craggin’ Classic, an event held at Smith Rock State Park in Deschutes County, Oregon, OPB reported.
KPTV reported that Garner drove from his home in Portland to Deschutes County — a trip of nearly four hours — the day before the festival was scheduled to begin.
Authorities arrested him that same day and discovered multiple firearms, body armor, a tactical vest and a large quantity of ammunition in his vehicle, according to OPB. The festival was expected to draw hundreds of attendees, KPTV reported.
“The diligent work by law enforcement prevented a horrific tragedy,” Portland police Chief Bob Day said, according to KPTV. “The remarkable professionalism and seamless coordination across law enforcement — from PPB patrol officers and detectives to our threat assessment team, behavioral health, and our partners at the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office — ensured that nothing fell through the cracks.”
Before the alleged plot, Garner was known as an avid climber who spent time outdoors, OPB reported.
In the months leading up to his arrest, Garner went through a contentious divorce, according to the outlet. The divorce was finalized on Oct. 3, 2023, just weeks before the planned attack.
