Portland man who planned mass shooting at popular Oregon state park sentenced

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- A 41-year-old Portland man was sentenced to 30 years in prison on Monday after attempting a mass shooting at Smith Rock State Park two years ago.

In September, a Deschutes County jury found 41-year-old Samson Garner guilty of 26 charges, including four counts of first-degree attempted murder, four counts of first-degree attempted assault, four counts of second-degree attempted assault and 14 counts of unlawful use of a weapon.

“The conviction of Samson Garner is the result of outstanding investigative work and interagency collaboration that undoubtedly saved lives,” said Sheriff Ty Rupert. “Our Detectives Unit, with vital support from Patrol Deputies, worked closely with the Portland Police Bureau and the Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office to track Garner’s movements, gather critical evidence, and build a strong case that ensured justice was served. Their professionalism, diligence, and commitment to protecting our community reflect the very best of the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and demonstrate the power of proactive policing and strong partnerships in preventing acts of violence.”

Garner planned to shoot participants and spectators at the Smith Rock Craggin’ Classic climbing festival in October 2023. However, the plan was thwarted by Portland police and the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office.

"He was aware that a few hundred people would be attending. Garner also discussed his persistent thoughts about murder and vengeance and his desire to kill people and inflict intense feelings of shock and trauma on those who would watch but do nothing to help," officials said.

In October 2023, the Sheriff’s Office received a tip from Portland police that Garner was planning the attack.

Detectives kept a close eye on Garner, officials said, noting when he left Portland for Deschutes County on Oct. 19, a SWAT unit spotted Garner in his vehicle and took him into custody that afternoon — one day before the start of the three-day festival.

In August 2023, the day before the event was scheduled to begin, Garner drove from his residence in the Portland area, after a prolonged period of isolation in his house, to Deschutes County, where he was contacted by the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and taken into custody. He was in possession of multiple firearms, body armor, and a large cache of ammunition. He had packed a tactical vest to capacity with ammunition, including armor-piercing rounds.

Investigators who searched Garner’s car said they found evidence of a planned attack, including a Beretta 9mm handgun, a Sig Sauer 9mm handgun, an AR-15 rifle and an HG1.

“The diligent work by law enforcement prevented a horrific tragedy,” said Portland Police Chief Bob Day. “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. And it all began with a tip from the community, who recognized that one individual could pose a significant danger.”