Ore. Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison After He Plotted Mass Shooting at Climbing Festival Weeks after Divorce

An Oregon man was sentenced to 30 years in prison after he planned a mass shooting at a climbing festival.

Samson Garner, 41, was found guilty on multiple felony charges, including attempted murder, according to Oregon Public Broadcasting, KPTV and KGW. The outlets also reported his three decade sentence.

Police in Portland were tipped off to Garner’s plans to commit a mass shooting at the 2023 Smith Rock Craggin’ Classic, which is held at Smith Rock State Park in Deschutes County, OPB reported.

According to KPTV, Garner drove to Deschutes County from his home in Portland, nearly a four-hour drive, the day before the event.

Local authorities arrested Garner that day and found multiple guns, body armor, a tactical vest and a large supply of ammo in his vehicle, per OPB.

The festival was set to draw hundreds of people to the state park, 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.”

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OPB reported that prior to the shooting plot, Garner was a climber himself and enjoyed the outdoors.

Months before he was arrested, Garner went through an acrimonious divorce, OPB reported.

The divorce, the outlet reported, was finalized on Oct. 3, 2023, just weeks before the planned mass shooting.