The tragic mass shooting at the Owl Bar in Anaconda, Montana, has shocked the tight-knit community of 9,000 residents, who now live in heightened fear after the alleged violent acts of Michael Paul Brown, the suspect in the incident. Locals, particularly two anonymous men from the town, have expressed that Brown had long been an ominous figure in their minds, with warnings about his dangerous nature being a common topic of discussion, especially in their circles of friends and family. They emphasized that Brown was often described as a ‘loose cannon’ and that his delusional stories were well known, especially in the context of local bar gatherings. One of the men mentioned that even during casual interactions, such as at barbecues, jokes were made about the possibility of Brown losing his temper and resorting to violence.
These men also pointed out that the town’s fear was not unfounded, citing instances where the community had actually tried to intervene in Brown’s situation. However, the suspect had consistently rejected any form of assistance, which left the local families in a difficult position. The owner of the Owl Bar, which Brown frequented, had also expressed concern about his mental state and had attempted to get him help. Nevertheless, the town’s efforts were thwarted when Brown outright declined the offered support, which led to a growing sense of helplessness among locals.
Clare Boyle, Brown’s niece and a fellow Anaconda resident, has shared her perspective on the tragedy, revealing that he had a history of mental health struggles, including PTSD from his time in the Army and a diagnosis of schizophrenia. She noted that Brown’s mental condition deteriorated significantly following the death of his mother in 2021, which was a traumatic event for him. Despite the community’s efforts to assist him, he was not receptive to help, which has led to a sense of despair for those who cared for him. The VA reportedly discontinued his assistance for prescriptions and mental health services, and he was not admitted to state hospitals without a court order, which was a significant hurdle to address his condition.
The tragedy has sparked a broader discussion around the challenges of mental health care accessibility, especially in rural areas. The incident has also raised questions about the responsibilities of local communities in preventing such violent outbursts. As the search for Brown continues, the town is left to grapple with the emotional and psychological impact of the violence, with many residents expressing a deep sense of loss and uncertainty about the future of their community. The incident will likely have lasting effects on the local dynamics and the broader mental health conversations happening in Montana and across the country.