A vast manhunt is currently underway in western Montana for a military veteran suspected of a deadly shooting that claimed four lives at an Anaconda bar. Authorities have intensified their efforts, urging local residents to remain indoors and vigilant as they pursue Michael Paul Brown, whom they consider armed and extremely dangerous following the tragic incident.

The tranquility of Anaconda was shattered on August 1, 2025, when gunfire erupted at The Owl Bar. The fatal rampage resulted in the deaths of the bartender and three patrons, according to the bar’s owner, David Gwerder, who stated he was not present during the Friday morning shooting. No other individuals were believed to be inside the establishment at the time.

Immediately following the shooting, the suspect, 45-year-old Michael Paul Brown, reportedly fled the scene in a white pickup truck. However, law enforcement officials, including Lee Johnson of the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, confirmed that the vehicle was later abandoned, complicating the pursuit and expanding the search perimeter into the rugged mountainous terrain.

In response to the escalating threat, authorities on Friday issued urgent warnings for Anaconda residents to shelter in place and maintain a high level of alert. The ongoing manhunt underscored the critical need for public safety, as officials emphasized Brown’s dangerous status, despite no further reports of him harming others since the initial incident.

Adding a crucial piece to the public’s understanding of the fugitive, authorities on Saturday released a striking photograph of Brown. The image depicted him gaunt, barefoot, and shirtless, appearing to flee the scene down a flight of outdoor concrete steps, a visual testament to the immediate chaos following the bar shooting.

Brown’s background reveals a history of military service, providing a dimension to his profile. Lt. Col. Ruth Castro, an Army spokesperson, confirmed that Brown served as an armor crewman in the U.S. Army from 2001 to 2005, including a deployment to Iraq between early 2004 and March 2005. He later joined the Montana National Guard from 2006 until March 2009, achieving the rank of sergeant before his departure from service.

Investigators initially focused their search on the Stumptown Road area west of Anaconda, deploying ground and air units to secure the perimeter and restrict all movement in or out. While this specific lockdown was lifted by Saturday, the broader search for Brown across the region remains active, reflecting the serious nature of the ongoing threat.

The shooting sent ripples of fear and caution throughout the small town. Local business owners quickly locked their doors, sheltering customers inside as news of the unfolding tragedy spread. This collective action highlighted the community’s immediate response to the grave danger posed by the armed and at-large suspect.

As the manhunt continues, the focus remains on apprehending Michael Paul Brown. The combined efforts of state and local law enforcement are dedicated to ensuring the safety of Montana residents and bringing the individual responsible for this horrific bar shooting to justice, underscoring the severity of the situation for the affected community.