Deadly Shooting at Montana Bar: Suspect Still at Large

A horrific shooting rocked Anaconda, Montana, on Friday, leaving four people dead. The tragedy unfolded at The Owl Bar around 10:30 a.m. local time. Authorities are now hunting for the suspect, 45-year-old Michael Paul Brown, who remains on the run. According to the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, the scene is secure, but Brown is considered armed and dangerous. For the latest updates, visit AMERICA NEWS WORLD.
The small town of Anaconda, with about 9,000 residents, is in shock. Businesses locked their doors, and the community went into lockdown. For instance, Sage Huot, who runs Caterpillars to Butterflies Childcare, kept kids inside all day. “We do active shooter drills, so we locked down fast,” Huot told The Associated Press. Similarly, Barbie Nelson, owner of Firefly Café, closed her shop after a friend’s warning. “Guns aren’t new here, but this lockdown has us rattled,” she said.
What Happened at The Owl Bar?
The shooting took place in Anaconda’s Goosetown neighborhood at The Owl Bar, a historic spot from the 1890s. Four people were pronounced dead at the scene. However, details about what sparked the violence are still unclear. Brown, who lived next door to the bar, fled after the attack. A SWAT team searched his home but found no trace of him. Now, police are focusing their search west of Anaconda, near Stumptown Road and Anderson Ranch Loop Road.
Law enforcement is out in full force. More than a dozen officers, along with a helicopter, are combing the wooded area. The Montana Highway Patrol warned that Brown is likely armed. “If you see him, don’t approach. Call 911,” authorities urged. Brown was last seen driving a 2007 white Ford F-150 pickup with Montana plates DTY493. He was wearing a tie-dyed shirt, blue jeans, and an orange bandana.
Community Response and Safety Measures
As news spread, Anaconda went into lockdown. Schools, businesses, and daycare centers took swift action. For example, Huot’s childcare center moved kids to a safe spot away from windows. “We stayed calm and kept them busy,” she said. Meanwhile, the Granite County Sheriff’s Office asked residents to stay vigilant and avoid the Stumptown area. Montana Governor Greg Gianforte shared his condolences on social media, saying, “Susan and I are praying for the victims and law enforcement.”
The FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) are assisting local police. Congressman Ryan Zinke also urged people to stay indoors and follow police instructions. The heavy police presence has calmed some fears, but the suspect’s escape keeps tensions high.

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A Town with a Rich History Faces Tragedy
Anaconda, about 75 miles southeast of Missoula, sits in a valley surrounded by mountains. Founded in the late 1800s by copper barons, it’s a tight-knit community. The Owl Bar, a local landmark, once served smelter workers. Now, it’s the site of one of Montana’s deadliest shootings since 2015, when a man killed his family in the same county, according to the Gun Violence Archive.
This tragedy marks the ninth mass murder in the U.S. this year, as reported by The Guardian. All nine were shootings, with four happening in the last 30 days. The data below highlights the rise in mass shootings in the U.S. over recent years:

Montana Shooting: Officials warned people to avoid the area of Anaconda. (Representational)

Year
Mass Shootings (4+ Victims)
Source

2024
503
Gun Violence Archive

2025
256 (as of August 1)
Gun Violence Archive

Data from the Gun Violence Archive, visualized for clarity.

Why This Matters
This shooting hits hard because Anaconda is a small, close community. “We’re used to guns, but not like this,” Nelson said. The lockdown disrupted daily life, leaving residents anxious. Moreover, Brown’s military background adds complexity. He served in the Army from 2001 to 2005, including a deployment to Iraq, and later joined the Montana National Guard. Relatives told The New York Times that Brown struggled with PTSD, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia after his service.
For now, the focus is on finding Brown. Police are urging anyone with information to call Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Law Enforcement at 406-563-5241. Meanwhile, the community mourns the loss of four lives and waits for answers.
Stay Informed with AMERICA NEWS WORLD
This is a developing story, and AMERICA NEWS WORLD is committed to bringing you the latest updates. Our team is monitoring the situation closely, ensuring you get accurate, timely news. Visit us at america112.com for more on this tragedy and other breaking stories.
External Source: For more details, check The Associated Press for comprehensive coverage of the Anaconda shooting.