A man from Portland has been arrested for allegedly plotting a shooting at a rock climbing festival in Oregon that was scheduled to take place over the weekend. The suspect, Samson Zebturiah Garner, 39, was apprehended on Thursday after evidence of a planned attack was discovered in his vehicle, which included a rifle and two handguns.
Garner was targeting the Smith Rock Craggin Classic, a three-day climbing festival that was set to be held at Smith Rock State Park from October 20-22. He now faces charges of attempted murder, attempted assault of the first and second degree, and unlawful use of a weapon.
The indictment filed by the Deschutes County District Attorney lists four victims identified as “Belayer 1, Belayer 2, Spectator 1, and Spectator 2.” A belayer is someone responsible for controlling the safety rope for a climber. The festival, organized by the American Alpine Club, is known for its inclusivity, welcoming climbers of all levels, ages, races, genders, and abilities.
The potential threat came to the attention of the festival organizers and law enforcement the previous Wednesday. The American Alpine Club collaborated with authorities until Garner’s arrest. The investigation into Garner began when the Deschutes County authorities received a tip from the Portland Police Bureau, which indicated that a Portland resident was planning a violent act during an event in Deschutes County.
Garner arrived in Deschutes County last Thursday, and based on the information obtained during the investigation, he was taken into custody without incident at the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office jail on Saturday. A search warrant was obtained for Garner’s vehicle, where law enforcement found two handguns, an AR-15 style rifle, and climbing equipment. The sheriff’s department confirmed that this equipment was evidence of a planned attack.
According to officials, the ongoing investigation suggests that Garner acted alone in planning this attack. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilant law enforcement and the need for ongoing efforts to ensure public safety at events and gatherings.
The swift response by law enforcement in collaboration with the American Alpine Club prevented a potentially tragic event from occurring at the Smith Rock Craggin Classic. The festival is known for its beautiful rock formations and offers opportunities for climbers of all skill levels to come together and enjoy the sport. By maintaining a strong commitment to safety and security, events like these can continue to bring communities together and promote a love for outdoor activities.
It is essential that incidents like these be taken seriously and thoroughly investigated to ensure that the communities we live in remain safe and secure. The cooperation between law enforcement agencies and organizations hosting events plays a crucial role in preventing potential threats and maintaining public safety.
As this investigation continues, authorities will remain focused on gathering all the necessary evidence to fully understand the motives behind Garner’s alleged plot. The incident serves as a reminder that security measures must be in place and continuously evaluated to prevent potential attacks at public gatherings.
The arrest of Garner highlights the success of proactive law enforcement efforts in identifying and apprehending individuals who pose a threat to public safety. It also underscores the importance of public vigilance in reporting any suspicious activities or behavior to authorities.
By remaining vigilant and working together, we can continue to ensure the safety of our communities and enjoy events like the Smith Rock Craggin Classic without fear of violence or harm. The dedication and hard work of law enforcement officials and event organizers are invaluable in creating an environment where everyone can come together and celebrate their shared passions.
