Oregon Man Charged in Mass Killing Plot at Rock Climbing Festival

A man from Portland has been apprehended on allegations of plotting a shooting at a rock climbing festival in Oregon over the weekend, authorities said.

Samson Zebturiah Garner, 39, was taken into custody on Thursday after the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office reported the discovery of “evidence of a planned attack” in his vehicle, which included a rifle and two handguns, according to a media release.

Reportedly, Garner was planning to target a three-day climbing festival scheduled for October 20-22 at Smith Rock State Park. Charges against him include attempted murder, attempted assault of the first and second degree, and unlawful use of a weapon.

The Deschutes County District Attorney’s 27-count indictment lists four victims identified as “Belayer 1, Belayer 2, Spectator 1, and Spectator 2,” with a belayer being an individual responsible for controlling the safety rope for a climber.

The event in question, known as the Smith Rock Craggin Classic, extends an invitation to climbers of all levels, regardless of age, race, gender identification, or ability. The festival organizers, the American Alpine Club, became aware of the potential threat the previous Wednesday and collaborated with law enforcement until its resolution.

The investigation into Garner began when Deschutes County authorities received a tip from Portland Police Bureau detectives, indicating that a Portland resident was planning a violent act during an event in the Deschutes County area. Garner arrived in Deschutes County last Thursday, and based on information obtained during the investigation, he was taken into custody at the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office jail on Saturday without any incident.

Authorities secured a search warrant for Garner’s vehicle, where they discovered two handguns, an AR-15 style rifle, and climbing equipment. According to the Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office, this equipment was deemed “evidence of a planned attack,” as confirmed by the sheriff’s department.

The ongoing investigation suggests that Garner acted alone, officials said.

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