Authorities are actively searching the mountainous region of Montana for a former U.S. soldier accused of carrying out a tragic bar shooting that resulted in the death of four individuals.
In the small town of Anaconda, Montana, a manhunt is underway for Michael Paul Brown, a 45-year-old military veteran, who is the prime suspect in a tragic mass shooting that took place at The Owl Bar on August 2, 2025.
The shooting resulted in the deaths of four individuals, and Brown is believed to be armed and dangerous. He fled the scene in a white pickup truck and later abandoned it. Authorities believe he may have stolen another vehicle, which contained camping gear, shoes, and clothes, and he may now be clothed with items taken from this vehicle.
The search for Brown has been extensive, with law enforcement agencies focusing on an area off Stumptown Road west of Anaconda. A lockdown of the Stumptown Road area was lifted on Saturday. The manhunt has extended over multiple days, involving at least 38 agencies.
As of August 7, 2025, Brown remains at large. Authorities are actively searching the woods and mountainous terrain, focusing on areas Brown is familiar with from his youth. A $7,500 reward has been offered for information leading to his arrest. Residents in the area have been warned to stay indoors and report sightings immediately, as Brown poses a significant threat.
Anaconda, a town with a population of roughly 9,000 people, was founded by copper barons in the late 1800s. The Owl Bar, where the shooting occurred, is a well-known establishment in the town.
Michael Paul Brown served in the Montana National Guard from 2006 to March 2009 and left military service at the rank of sergeant. He served in the Army as an armor crewman from 2001 to 2005 and deployed to Iraq from early 2004 until March 2005.
Brown's niece, Clare Boyle, has stated that Brown has struggled with mental illness for years. She described him as a sick man who doesn't always know who he is and where or when he is.
During the manhunt, a helicopter was seen hovering over a nearby mountainside. The manhunt for Brown is being led by the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation.
As the community of Anaconda continues to grapple with the aftermath of the shooting, residents and business owners are doing their best to carry on. Business owners locked their doors and sheltered inside with customers after hearing about the shooting, but life in the town is slowly returning to normal.
The authorities urge anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Michael Paul Brown to come forward. The safety of the community remains the top priority, and every piece of information could potentially lead to the arrest of the suspect.
The ongoing manhunt for Michael Paul Brown, a prime suspect in the tragic mass shooting at The Owl Bar, has gained attention in the realms of general news and politics due to the community's struggle to recover and the extended police search. As the manhunt enters its sixth day, authorities continue to issue warnings for residents, emphasizing that Brown, believed to be armed and dangerous, remains at large, and his mental health history adds complexity to the crime-and-justice aspect of this case.
