Trial begins for man accused of plotting mass attack on Smith Rock climbing festival

Attorneys made opening statements Wednesday in the trial of a man accused of planning a mass shooting in 2023 at a popular rock climbing event in Central Oregon.

Following two days of jury selection, Deschutes County Chief Deputy District Attorney Mary Anderson laid out her case that Samson Garner, 41, had plotted for weeks to kill people at the Smith Rock Craggin’ Classic.

Anderson said police arrested Garner at the Maston Trail System north of Tumalo. Officers found him sitting next to his Subaru in a camp chair, flip flops on, feet up and beer in hand. Inside his car, according to prosecutors, were guns and ammunition.

Anderson said the ammunition found in Garner’s car was put together in such a way that felt familiar to the tactical officers who arrested him.

Read more: Oregon Public Radio