Anaconda, MT – A quiet Friday morning in western Montana turned deadly after a mass shooting at a local bar left four people dead and sparked a widespread manhunt. Authorities have identified the suspect as a former U.S. soldier and Montana National Guard member.
What Happened?
According to AP News, the shooting occurred around 10:30 a.m. at The Owl Bar in Anaconda. Four people — the bartender and three patrons — were killed at the scene.
Here are the confirmed facts so far:
- The suspect is 45-year-old Michael Paul Brown, a military veteran who lived next door to the bar.
- No prior disputes between Brown and the victims were reported.
- The motive remains unclear, though one witness described it as a possible mental breakdown.
- Brown fled the scene and was last seen in the Stump Town area, prompting a massive police search.
- Authorities locked down the area and used helicopters to aid in the manhunt.
- SWAT teams cleared Brown’s residence, but he remains at large.
Background on the Suspect
Brown served as an armor crewman in the U.S. Army from 2001 to 2005, including deployment to Iraq. He later joined the Montana National Guard, serving until 2009 and reaching the rank of sergeant.
His military past is now drawing attention as investigators look into whether mental health or trauma may have contributed to the violence.
A Town in Shock
The shooting has shaken Anaconda, a town of just 9,000 people located 75 miles southeast of Missoula. Schools, businesses, and childcare centers locked down for hours in response.
“We’re constantly doing drills for this, but it’s never real until it is,” said Sage Huot, who runs a nearby daycare. Others described the lockdown as deeply unsettling in a state where firearms are common but mass shootings are rare.
Barbie Nelson, owner of the Firefly Café, summed up the town’s mood: “For our town to be locked down, everybody’s pretty rattled.”
What’s Next?
As of now, Brown is still on the run, and the investigation remains active. Law enforcement continues combing the area with drones, helicopters, and ground teams.
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