On October 23, a Portland man was arrested for his alleged plot to commit a mass shooting while a rock-climbing festival was happening this weekend in Oregon. Samson Garner, a 39-year-old Oregon resident was arrested after evidence of his planned attack was found. This was found in his vehicle along with a rifle and two handguns.
Rock Climbing Event
The “Smith Rock Craggin Classic” is a 3-day climbing festival hosted by the American Alpine Club for new or returning climbers. This event gives climbers the opportunity to connect and learn with fellow climbers. In addition to a fun climbing experience, there is also a 5k run.
At camp visitors enjoy local brews and meals. After all, there is a silent auction for deals on
high-end gear. In conclusion, the Smith Rock Classic gives participants a calming, welcoming, and fun environment with the eyesight of the Smith Rock skatepark.
On October 18, the American Alpine Club was made aware of the potential threat to the health and safety of the Smith Rock Craggin Classic attendees.
In a statement, the American Alpine Club says:
We worked with law enforcement agencies and the Oregon Parks Department to look over this issue and determine our ability to host the event. We were keeping the safety and well-being of our staff, volunteers, partners, and participants as our top priority.
A Little Background on Samson Garner
Garner is an Oregon resident who formally worked as an information technology professional. He also had an active membership with the Mazamas, a mountaineering education nonprofit. In 2018, his access has been limited until now.
Rebekah Phillips, the Mazamas executive director released a statement saying:
The Mazamas community is devastated to learn of this situation. The safety and wellbeing of our members, volunteers, and students is our top priority… As mountaineers, trust is among our core tenets; learning that a fellow climber intended to violate that principle through violence is both heartbreaking and troubling.
When given a tip from Portland police detectives, Deschutes County started investigating Garner. Garner had told two friends how he planned to harm people at a climbing event in the county. Most likely the Craggin’ Classic that is taking place this weekend considering it was in the same city he was.
Look Into The Investigation
After garner was in custody due to the tip received, Authorities gained a search warrant for Garner’s vehicle. Inside his vehicle they found a Beretta 9mm handgun, a Sig Sauer 9mm handgun, an AR-15 rifle, and climbing equipment. According to the sheriff’s department, the equipment was considered evidence of a planned attack.
The Deschutes County Sherriff’s office took those weapons under the extreme risk protection order. This means those weapons will be taken by the courts for at least a year.
Along with the other things found Garner’s journal was also apprehended by investigators. The journal shows he was not planning to target specific people, however, he had generalized anger.
Authorities say the investigation shows that Garner was acting alone. Garner was arrested on the charges of attempted assault of the first and second degree. In addition to unlawful use of a weapon, and attempted murder.
Oregon police and the County Attorney’s Office say they will be continuing to investigate the mass shooting plot, despite their belief that Garner was acting alone and that there are no threats to the community.
Jason Wall, of the Deschutes County Police Department, said, “Detectives have decided there is no longer a threat as Garner is now in custody and investigation shows that Garner was acting alone.”
Garner is now being held on a $10 million bond.
sources
opb: Oregon rock climber charged over the mass killing plot at Smith Rock mountaineering event
The Guardian: Man arrested over alleged mass shooting plot at Oregon climbing event
NBC News: Oregon man arrested for allegedly planning shooting at rock climbing festival
Featured image courtesy of Oregon Coast’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
insert image courtesy of Dsc_0143’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
