An intense manhunt is underway following a deadly shooting at The Owl Bar in Anaconda, Montana, on Friday morning, August 1, 2025, in which four people were fatally shot. Authorities have identified the suspect as 45-year-old Michael Paul Brown, a former U.S. Army soldier and local resident who reportedly lived next door to the bar.
The Montana Division of Criminal Investigation confirmed that the shooting took place around 10 a.m. Brown allegedly opened fire inside the bar, killing a bartender and three patrons before fleeing the scene. The motive behind the attack remains unclear. Following the shooting, Brown was last seen driving a white 2007 Ford F150 with Montana plates, which was later located abandoned near the Stumptown area west of Anaconda.
Authorities, including the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Granite County Sheriff’s Office, and local law enforcement, are actively searching rugged terrain and setting up perimeters around Stumptown Road. Residents have been urged to stay indoors, lock their doors, and report any sightings of the suspect to 911. Brown is considered armed and extremely dangerous.
The identities of the victims have not been publicly released as families are being notified.
