Samson Garner, accused of planning mass shooting, takes the stand in his own defense

WARNING: This story includes discussion of suicide. Reader and viewer discretion is advised.

(Update: adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Monday in Bend at the Deschutes County Courthouse, Samson Garner took the stand in his own defense. Garner is accused of planning a mass shooting at Smith Rock in October of 2023.

Garner was questioned by his own legal team, largely about the email he had sent to an ex-girlfriend, in which described his plans to carry out the attack on climbers attending the Smith Rock Craggin' Classic.

Garner testified at the time he sent the email, he was intoxicated and suicidal. He claimed he had been having intrusive thoughts and nightmares which scared him. 

In his testimony, Garner stated: “I remember seeing the email and having this intrusive image come into my head doing this, and it was terrifying…not something I wanted to be thinking. It’s not something I wanted to be — have — in my head.”

“I remember adding it to the email to Penny as just one of the other reasons that I wanted to take my own life. It was like I didn’t want to keep thinking these things. I didn’t want to carry out any of these things. I just would rather kill myself,” claimed Garner.

About a week after sending the email, Garner testified he had an epiphany in which he realized he had a reason to live. He wanted to get outdoors more and go target shooting — which he claimed is why he came to Central Oregon with an AR-15 and magazines. 

The defense planned to continue their examination of their client throughout the day on Monday and into Tuesday morning.