U.S. Man Arrested for Plotting to Kill Several Climbers

October 21, 2023

A 39-year-old Portland, Oregon man, Samson Zebturiah Garner, was arrested on Thursday for allegedly planning to kill several climbers at the annual Craggin’ Classic event in Smith Rock. Smith Rock is considered the birthplace of American sport climbing.

According to the Bend Bulletin newspaper via Climbing magazine, two people who knew Garner informed local police that Garner had been speaking about his plan to attack climbers during the American Alpine Club event.

The police acted quickly, warning the AAC on Wednesday before the competition began and arresting Garner, who had driven about three hours to the site of the event in central Oregon. Explorers Web