A massive manhunt is underway in southwest Montana for Michael Paul Brown, a 45-year-old former U.S. soldier, suspected of killing four people in a devastating shooting at The Owl Bar in the town of Anaconda.
The shooting took place at around 10:30 AM local time (16:30 GMT) on Friday, August 2, 2025. According to the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, all four victims — including a bartender and three patrons — were pronounced dead at the scene.
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Who Is the Suspect?
The shooter has been identified as Michael Paul Brown, a military veteran who lived next door to the bar. Brown served as an armour crewman in the U.S. Army from 2001 to 2005, including a deployment to Iraq from 2004 to 2005. He later served in the Montana National Guard from 2006 to 2009.
“He knew everybody that was in that bar. I guarantee you that,” said bar owner David Gwerder, who was not present during the shooting. “I just think he snapped.”
Police Response and Lockdown in Stump Town Area
Brown fled the scene immediately after the shooting. Authorities believe he was last seen in the Stump Town area, a heavily wooded, mountainous region just west of Anaconda. Law enforcement officials have declared him armed and dangerous.
- A SWAT team cleared his residence
- Drones and helicopters are being used in the manhunt
- More than a dozen officers are involved in a lockdown operation in the area
- Residents have been told to stay indoors and lock their doors
“No one is allowed in or out of Stump Town while the search continues,” said officials at the Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Law Enforcement Center.
Official Reactions and Community Impact
Montana Governor Greg Gianforte issued a statement on social media:
“Our hearts are with the community of Anaconda, Montana, where four lives were lost in a senseless bar shooting. I’m closely monitoring the situation involving an active shooter.”
Senator Steve Daines called it a “massive manhunt” and confirmed federal support through surveillance and tactical operations.
Local residents remain in shock as authorities continue to investigate Brown’s motive. No prior disputes with the victims have been reported, further fueling concern that the violence was a spontaneous act of rage or mental breakdown.
Conclusion
As the manhunt continues, Anaconda remains on high alert. The community is grieving the loss of four lives in what appears to be a random, brutal act of violence. With the suspect still at large and heavily armed, law enforcement urges caution and cooperation from the public.
Anyone with information is advised to contact local authorities immediately and avoid the search area.