Authorities in Montana are actively searching for a 45-year-old Army veteran suspected of fatally shooting at least four people at a local bar on Friday morning.
The suspect, identified as Michael Paul Brown of Anaconda, is considered armed and dangerous. He was last seen in the Stumptown area, located west of Anaconda, according to the Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Law Enforcement Center. The shooting occurred around 10 a.m. at The Owl Bar, a well-known local establishment. Authorities have not confirmed whether there were additional injuries or a motive behind the attack.
Military Background
Brown served in the U.S. Army from January 2001 to May 2005 as an armor crewman and was deployed to Iraq from February 2004 to March 2005, according to Army Public Affairs. He left the Army with the rank of sergeant. He later served in the Montana National Guard from April 2006 to March 2009.
Manhunt and Response
A SWAT team cleared Brown’s residence, but the suspect remains at large. Local and state agencies, including the Montana Highway Patrol and Granite County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO), are involved in the search. GCSO clarified in a public post that a driver involved in a nearby F-150 car chase was not connected to the shooting.
Authorities have urged the public to avoid the area near Stumptown Road and Anderson Ranch Loop Road as the search continues.
Federal Agencies Involved
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Denver Field Division confirmed its presence at the scene and said it is supporting local law enforcement. The FBI is also providing investigative assistance, according to a statement from Deputy Director Dan Bongino.
Due to the suspect’s proximity, the Montana State Prison in Deer Lodge has been placed on lockdown as a precaution. The facility is located approximately 20 miles from Anaconda.
State Officials Respond
Montana Governor Greg Gianforte said he is closely monitoring the situation and offered prayers for the victims and first responders.
“Please join Susan and me in praying for the victims, their loved ones, and the brave law enforcement officers responding to this tragedy,” Gianforte wrote in a Facebook post.
Montana Senators Steve Daines and Tim Sheehy also issued statements expressing concern and gratitude to law enforcement.
Anaconda is located about 80 miles southeast of Missoula.
The situation remains ongoing, and anyone with information is urged to contact local authorities.
