🔫 Four People Killed in Montana Bar Shooting; Suspect at Large

🔫 Four People Killed in Montana Bar Shooting; Suspect at Large

August 1, 2025 | Anaconda, Montana — At approximately 10:30 a.m. this morning, a mass shooting at The Owl Bar in Anaconda, Montana, left four people dead, and triggered a large-scale manhunt for the armed suspect believed responsible Reddit+15AP News+15KSL+15.

⚠️ The Incident

• The shooting occurred on the east end of Anaconda, a town of about 9,000 residents The Sun+12AP News+12Newstalk KGVO+12.

• All four victims were pronounced dead at the scene by the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) The Sun+6AP News+6FOX 32 Chicago+6.

• The suspect, 45-year-old Michael Paul Brown, was identified as living next door to the bar montanarightnow.com+10AP News+10KSL+10.

🚨 Manhunt and Ongoing Search

• Brown remains at large; authorities report he is armed and extremely dangerous Newstalk KGVO+11AP News+11WBMA+11.

• The Montana Highway Patrol warned the public to avoid areas west of town, including near Stumptown Road and Anderson Ranch Loop Road, where law enforcement—along with SWAT teams, the ATF, and the FBI—are actively searching FOX 32 Chicago+9People.com+9Fox News+9.

• A SWAT team cleared Brown’s residence but found no trace of him. A vehicle stop earlier today involved a pickup matching his description but was determined not to be connected to the suspect MySA.

🧑‍✈️ Officials & Community Response

• Governor Greg Gianforte affirmed he is “closely monitoring” the incident Yahoo News+6MySA+6The Sun+6.

• Local businesses—including the Firefly Café—shuttered temporarily midmorning as residents were advised to shelter in place. Owner Barbie Nelson reported the town was “pretty rattled” given the unexpected escalation FOX 32 Chicago+2AP News+2KSL+2.

• The Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Law Enforcement Center confirmed via social media that a suspect’s house was cleared and encouraged the public to avoid the area The Times of India+15montanarightnow.com+15Fox News+15.

👤 Suspect Details & Vehicle

• Name: Michael Paul Brown, age 45

• Last seen wearing: Tie-dyed shirt, blue jeans, and an orange bandana WBMA+5The Wall Street Journal+5People.com+5.

• Vehicle: A 2007 white Ford F‑150 with Montana license plate DTY493, seen heading west on Stumptown Road WBMA+1montanarightnow.com+1.

• Authorities emphasize any sighting should trigger immediate contact with law enforcement, not confrontation WBMAKSL.

🧭 Broader Implications and Context

• Anaconda is located about 75 miles southeast of Missoula, surrounded by mountainous terrain. The small community setting intensifies the sense of shock and vulnerability FOX 32 Chicago+2AP News+2KSL+2.

• Investigating agencies have declined to release details on possible motives or any additional injured victims at this time AP NewsMySA.

✅ What to Know

• The shooting at Owl Bar in Anaconda resulted in four confirmed deaths, with multiple agencies participating in the search for suspect Michael Paul Brown.

• Brown is considered extremely dangerous; residents are urged to stay clear of designated search areas, report any sightings, and remain cautious montanarightnow.com+11AP News+11The Sun+11.

🔍 What to Watch

• Updates on fatalities and possible additional injuries, pending official statements.

• Suspect location or arrest announcements from law enforcement.

• Community recovery efforts, including counseling or public forums in Anaconda in the days ahead.