Montana Bar Shooting Leaves Four Dead in Anaconda; Armed Suspect Still at Large
ANACONDA, Mont. — A devastating shooting at a popular bar in southwestern Montana has claimed four lives, with authorities currently searching for the armed suspect who remains on the run.
On the morning of August 1, 2025, around 10:30 a.m., gunfire erupted inside The Owl Bar in Anaconda, a town of about 9,000 residents located in southern Montana. The Montana Highway Patrol confirmed that four people were fatally shot in the incident. Local law enforcement has warned residents to remain on high alert as the search intensifies for the suspect.
The suspect has been identified as 45-year-old Michael Paul Brown. Law enforcement officials describe Brown as armed and dangerous, and believe he may be driving a 2007 white Ford F-150 pickup truck bearing Montana license plates. The Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Law Enforcement Center issued a statement identifying Brown and urging anyone with information on his whereabouts to contact authorities immediately.
Governor Greg Gianforte of Montana said he is closely monitoring the situation, emphasizing the seriousness of the active shooter event. ‘‘My thoughts are with the victims and their families during this difficult time,’’ Gianforte wrote in a social media post.
Details regarding the motive behind the shooting remain unclear, and investigators are still working to piece together what led to the mass shooting at the bar.
Nearby officials in Butte-Silver Bow County have expressed their support to Anaconda authorities and reinforced safety measures in the region. The Montana Division of Criminal Investigation is actively involved in the manhunt and coordinating with local law enforcement agencies.
The identities of the four victims have been released by the authorities in subsequent updates. Community members and officials have expressed shock and grief over the tragedy, with counseling and aid services being made available to residents affected by the incident.
Law enforcement agencies continue to urge the public to remain vigilant and report any sightings or tips related to Michael Paul Brown immediately. Investigations remain ongoing.
This remains a developing story. Updates will be provided as new information becomes available.