Sat Aug 02 04:09:02 UTC 2025: ## Montana Manhunt Underway After Bar Shooting Leaves Four Dead
**Anaconda, MT** – A massive manhunt is underway in Montana for Michael Paul Brown, a 45-year-old former US soldier, suspected of fatally shooting four people at The Owl Bar in Anaconda on Friday morning. The shooting occurred around 10:30 AM local time, prompting a shelter-in-place order for Anaconda residents.
Authorities have identified Brown, a military veteran who served in Iraq, as the prime suspect. According to reports, Brown lived next door to the bar. The victims included a bartender and three patrons.
“He knew everybody that was in that bar,” said bar owner David Gwerder, who was not present at the time of the shooting. “I guarantee you that. He didn’t have any running dispute with any of them. I just think he snapped.”
A SWAT team cleared Brown’s residence in Anaconda, a town of approximately 9,000 people. Brown was last seen in the Stump Town area, west of Anaconda, and is believed to be armed and dangerous. Residents are urged to stay indoors, lock their doors, and refrain from approaching the suspect.
Law enforcement, aided by drones, has locked down the Stump Town area, preventing entry and exit as they search for Brown in the surrounding wooded, mountainous terrain. A police helicopter was seen hovering over the area as officers moved through the trees.
“A massive manhunt” is under way, Senator Steve Daines said.
Brown served as an armor crewman in the US Army from 2001 to 2005, with a deployment to Iraq in 2004-2005. He was also a member of the Montana National Guard from 2006 to 2009.
Montana Governor Greg Gianforte is monitoring the situation, stating that “our hearts are with the community of Anaconda.” He confirmed Brown remained at large and considered dangerous.
The Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Law Enforcement Center urges anyone with information about Brown’s whereabouts to contact authorities immediately.
First Piper 