The story of Michael Brown Anaconda Montana surged to national attention after four people were killed at a local bar, igniting a sweeping manhunt and leaving the tight-knit Montana town reeling from shock and fear within hours.
Law enforcement confirmed that on Friday, August 1, 2025, tragedy struck the Owl Bar in Anaconda, a historic mining town of around 9,000 residents. At approximately 10:30 a.m., shots rang out, claiming the lives of three patrons and a bartender. The alleged shooter, identified as 45-year-old Michael Paul Brown—known to locals as “Mike”—is a military veteran who reportedly lived next door to the bar. Authorities revealed that Brown is considered armed and dangerous and remains at large, prompting widespread community anxiety.
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Timeline of the Shooting
- 10:30 a.m.: Shots were fired at the Owl Bar, resulting in four fatalities. The bar, a community staple since the early 1900s, became the chaotic epicenter of a massive law enforcement response.
- 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.: Local businesses entered lockdown as news of the shooting spread. Police and SWAT teams cleared Michael Brown’s home adjacent to the bar but did not find him inside.
- Afternoon: Authorities issued a warning to residents: stay indoors, lock doors, and remain vigilant. Multiple agencies, including local police, the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, and federal partners, joined the growing search. Helicopters and K9 units focused efforts west of town in the Stumptown area.
Suspect Description and Search Update
Michael Brown was last seen wearing a tie-dye shirt, blue jeans, and an orange bandana. He was believed to be carrying a .762-caliber assault rifle and fled the scene in a 2007 white Ford F-150 pickup truck with Montana license plates. By late evening, officers found the vehicle abandoned in the hills near Stumptown Road—Brown, however, was gone.
Authorities set up a perimeter in the surrounding forests and urged anyone who spots Brown not to approach, but instead call 911 immediately. The Granite County Sheriff’s Office continues to patrol the region, including Georgetown Lake and smaller neighboring towns.
Law Enforcement and Community Response
Governor Greg Gianforte and Representative Ryan Zinke both addressed the incident, calling for prayers for the victims and immediate action from law enforcement. Residents were urged to avoid the area and report any suspicious activity.
Community members have expressed grief, fear, and disbelief, describing the Owl Bar as the “heart” of Anaconda’s social scene. Many are staying indoors, following public safety guidance, and supporting affected families in every way possible.
At a Glance: Key Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date & Time | Friday, August 1, 2025, 10:30 a.m. |
| Location | Owl Bar, Anaconda, Montana |
| Suspect | Michael Paul Brown, 45, military veteran, Anaconda resident |
| Casualties | Four deceased (bartender and three patrons) |
| Suspect’s Last Sighting | West of Anaconda, Stumptown area, in a white Ford F-150 (now abandoned) |
| Authority Response | Multi-agency manhunt, perimeter set, SWAT deployment, residents urged to stay indoors |
| Community Impact | Local lockdown, widespread concern, outpouring of support for victims’ families |
What’s Next?
As of Saturday evening, August 2, the intense search for Michael Brown continues. Law enforcement reiterates the suspect is armed, extremely dangerous, and should not be confronted. The investigation remains active, and authorities are expected to provide regular updates in the coming hours.
If you have any information about Michael Brown’s whereabouts, authorities urge you to call 911 immediately. Stay alert, follow official channels for alerts, and let your neighbors know about ongoing developments.
Have thoughts or updates about the Michael Brown Anaconda Montana situation? Share your views or experiences in the comments below—your voice matters as our community faces this challenging time together.