In the early hours of August 1, 2025, authorities launched a sweeping manhunt for 45-year-old Michael Paul Brown after a tragic shooting at The Owl Bar in Anaconda, Montana, left four people dead. Michael Paul Brown, who lived next door to the bar, became the central figure in a rapidly escalating investigation that has gripped the small Montana town and captured national headlines.
Witnesses say gunfire erupted around 10:30 a.m. at the local bar, shocking nearby businesses and residents. Within minutes, local law enforcement, with support from state authorities and federal agencies like the FBI and ATF, had cordoned off the Stumptown area west of Anaconda in a determined hunt for the suspect. Despite clearing Brown’s residence with a SWAT team, officers found no sign of his whereabouts, confirming that he remained at large and warning the public to consider him armed and extremely dangerous.
Timeline of Events
- 10:30 a.m. – Shooting reported at The Owl Bar in Anaconda.
- Shortly after – Anaconda and Montana Highway Patrol respond, securing the area and initiating a lockdown.
- Late morning – Brown’s nearby residence is cleared by SWAT; he is not found inside.
- Throughout the afternoon – Search intensifies in the Stumptown area with support from helicopters and ground teams.
- As of the latest update – Authorities urge the public to avoid Stumptown and contact 911 with any sightings.
Community Reaction
Anaconda, a town of approximately 9,000 residents nestled in a mountain valley, is no stranger to the realities of small-town life. However, the brazen nature of the mid-morning attack and the subsequent lockdown have left locals rattled. Restaurant owners, such as the proprietor of the Firefly Café, were quick to lock doors and shelter guests. At a nearby childcare center, staff implemented lockdown procedures, moving children away from windows and doors until the all-clear is given.
Read also-Anaconda Active Shooter: Four Dead in Montana Bar, Manhunt Underway
What We Know About 45-year-old Michael Paul Brown
- Lived adjacent to the scene of the shooting.
- Considered armed and highly dangerous.
- Believed to be in the Stumptown wilderness west of Anaconda.
- Motives and potential connections to victims remain undisclosed.
Authorities have not released the identities of the four victims or disclosed any possible motive. Governor Greg Gianforte assured residents via social media that the state is closely monitoring the situation and that every available resource is engaged in the effort to apprehend Brown.
Ongoing Law Enforcement Response
Federal and state agencies—including the FBI and ATF—have joined the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation in the search. The Granite County Sheriff’s Office emphasized on social media that a recent car chase in the region involving a similar vehicle was unrelated to the suspect. Residents in the affected area remain under strong advisement to stay inside and report anything unusual.
Key Details Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Suspect Name | Michael Paul Brown |
| Age | 45 years |
| Incident Location | The Owl Bar, Anaconda, Montana |
| Time of Incident | 10:30 a.m., August 1, 2025 |
| Victims | Four confirmed dead |
| Suspect’s Status | At large; considered armed and dangerous |
| Law Enforcement Involved | Local police, Montana Highway Patrol, FBI, ATF, SWAT |
| Public Advisory | Avoid Stumptown area; report sightings to authorities |
How Residents Can Stay Safe
- Avoid the Stumptown and surrounding areas until the all-clear is given.
- Remain indoors and keep doors locked.
- Report any sightings of Michael Paul Brown directly to law enforcement by dialing 911.
The situation remains fluid, and law enforcement officials promise ongoing updates as more information becomes available. This story has left a deep mark on the Anaconda community, with many residents expressing shock and sorrow.
Have you been affected by recent events, or do you have insights to share? Please leave a comment below to join the conversation—your voice matters as the community seeks answers and healing.