Portland Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Planned Mass Shooting at Smith Rock Event

BEND, Ore. (Nov 10, 2025) — A Portland man who plotted to carry out a mass shooting at a Smith Rock State Park climbing event in 2023 was sentenced Monday to 30 years in prison, Deschutes County officials said.

Deschutes County Judge Alison Emerson sentenced 41-year-old Samson Garner on Nov. 10, 2025, for attempted murder and multiple related charges after prosecutors detailed his plan to attack an outdoor climbing event that was expected to draw hundreds of participants and spectators.

Investigators said Garner had shared his plans to “rampage through the event,” expressing his intent to kill people and inflict “intense feelings of shock and trauma” on those who witnessed the violence but could not intervene.

Authorities said Garner drove from his Portland-area home to Deschutes County in August 2023, the day before the event was to begin, after a long period of isolation. Deputies contacted him shortly after his arrival and took him into custody. He was found in possession of several firearms, body armor, and a large supply of ammunition, including armor-piercing rounds. His tactical vest was packed to capacity, investigators said.

“The conviction of Samson Garner is the result of outstanding investigative work and interagency collaboration that undoubtedly saved lives,” said Deschutes County 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.”

Authorities credited cooperation between the Portland Police Bureau (PPB) and the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office for stopping what could have been a mass-casualty event.

“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.”

The case was prosecuted by Senior Deputy District Attorneys Mary Anderson and Stacy Neil of the Deschutes County District Attorney’s Office. After a trial that included testimony from dozens of witnesses and more than 100 exhibits, a jury found Garner guilty on all 26 felony counts.