A 45-year-old Army veteran, Michael Paul Brown, has been identified as the suspect in a deadly shooting at The Owl Bar in Anaconda, Montana, where at least four people were killed. Authorities are conducting an intensive manhunt for Brown, who is considered armed and dangerous. The FBI and other federal agencies are assisting local law enforcement in the search and investigation.
Law enforcement sources confirmed that Brown, who served in the U.S. Army from 2001 to 2005 and also with the National Guard, is believed to have acted alone in the attack, which occurred at approximately 10 a.m. on Friday. The exact motive for the shooting remains unclear, although the area of the incident is under investigation. The Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Law Enforcement Center and the Granite County Sheriff’s Office have declared the Stumptown area, located west of Anaconda, secure for law enforcement operations, while civilians are advised to avoid the area.
Following the shooting, Montana State Prison in Deer Lodge was put on lockdown due to safety concerns, as it is situated near the incident location. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) have both confirmed their involvement in the case, with the FBI providing investigative support. Law enforcement authorities are also coordinating with the Montana Highway Patrol, and are urging the public to report any sightings of Brown, who is described as a potential threat to the community.
Local leaders, including Montana Governor Greg Gianforte, have expressed their condolences for the victims and have called for public vigilance. Gianforte issued a public statement expressing his prayers for the victims, their families, and the law enforcement responders. Lawmakers like Senators Steve Daines and Tim Sheehy have also publicly expressed their solidarity with the families and emphasized the importance of supporting local law enforcement efforts in containing the situation.