Shot victims in Montana bar tragedy confirmed; manhunt ongoing for veteran military suspect
Mass Shooting in Anaconda, Montana: Suspect Sought
In a shocking turn of events, a mass shooting took place at The Owl Bar in Anaconda, Montana, on Friday morning. The shooting left four people dead and the community in a state of shock.
The suspect in this heinous act is identified as 45-year-old Michael Paul Brown, a former U.S. Army soldier from Anaconda. Brown allegedly entered the bar and opened fire, claiming the lives of bartender Nancy Lauretta Kelley and three patrons—Daniel Edwin Baillie, David Allen Leach, and Tony Wayne Palm.
Authorities have released a photo of Brown, showing him barefoot and shirtless. He is described as 5-foot-10, about 170 pounds, with blue eyes and brown hair. Brown is believed to be armed and dangerous, and residents are encouraged to call 911 immediately without approaching him if they see him.
The white F-150 pickup truck used by the suspect has been located but Brown was not found in or around the vehicle. The search for Brown is ongoing in the Stumptown area, west of Anaconda. SWAT cleared Brown's house on Friday, but he remains at large as of early August 2025.
The motive for the shooting remains unknown, although some community members and experts have discussed the possible role of Brown's military background and PTSD as an explanation, not an excuse, for his actions. It is currently unclear what led to the shooting.
Residents in the area have been encouraged to stay inside their homes and remain on high alert. Law enforcement officials have not received reports of Brown harming anyone other than the four victims at The Owl Bar.
The shooting incident has left the community of Anaconda in mourning. Our thoughts are with the families and friends of the victims during this difficult time.
[1] "Anaconda Shooting: Suspect Identified, Four Dead" - Anaconda Daily News, August 2, 2025. [2] "Anaconda Shooting: Military Background and PTSD as Possible Factors" - Montana Public Radio, August 2, 2025.
Breaking news: The suspect in the Anaconda shooting, identified as Michael Paul Brown, is still at large, according to recent reports. This tragic event, classified as general-news, has sent shockwaves through the community, leaving four people dead and raising questions about politics and crime-and-justice in light of Brown's military background and potential PTSD.
