ANACONDA, MONT. — Authorities have released previously unpublished photographs of Michael Paul Brown, the man identified as the suspect in Friday morning’s mass shooting at The Owl Bar in Anaconda. These images were obtained and distributed exclusively by 02 News, underscoring the intensifying manhunt for the armed suspect.
🚨 The Shooting and Investigation
On Friday, August 1, 2025, at approximately 10:30 a.m., a shooting occurred at The Owl Bar, a local watering hole in the small community of Anaconda (~9,000 residents). The outcome was catastrophic—four people were killed and multiple law enforcement agencies immediately launched a response.
📸 Exclusive Suspect Photos Released
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The photos show Michael Paul Brown, age 45, with a distinct mustache, blue eyes, and medium build.
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The images were circulated by law enforcement and republished by 02 News as part of their exclusive coverage.
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Authorities are urging the public to avoid approaching him, as he is considered armed and extremely dangerous.
🧑✈️ Who Is Michael Paul Brown?
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A 45-year-old resident of Anaconda, Brown lived directly next door to The Owl Bar, according to public records and statements from the bar’s owner, David Gwerder.
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Brown is a military veteran, having served as an armor crewman in the U.S. Army (2001–2005), and later in the Montana National Guard until 2009, with a deployment to Iraq between 2004–2005. He left the service with the rank of sergeant.
🔍 Manhunt Underway
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Brown fled the scene in a white 2007 Ford F‑150 with Montana plates DTY493, which was later abandoned near Stumptown Road, west of Anaconda. The vehicle has been located, but Brown remains at large.
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Law enforcement has secured the suspect’s residence—cleared by a SWAT team—and established a search perimeter in mountainous terrain near Stumptown. A helicopter and ground units are actively involved in the manhunt.
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Officials describe him as approximately 5’10″ tall, weighing 170 lbs, with brown hair and blue eyes. He is believed to be wearing a tie-dyed shirt, blue jeans, and an orange bandanna.
🛡️ Community Safety Precautions
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Local and state agencies—including the Montana DCI, Granite County Sheriff’s Office, FBI, and ATF—are collaborating in the investigation.Residents have been urged to remain indoors, secure their property, and report any sightings immediately.
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Governor Greg Gianforte and U.S. Representative Ryan Zinke issued public statements urging vigilance, offering condolences to victims’ families, and emphasizing public safety.
🕯️ The Toll of the Shooting
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Authorities confirm that the shooting claimed four lives—including the bartender and three patrons inside The Owl Bar. At this time, victim identities have not been publicly disclosed, pending notification of next of kin.Bar owner David Gwerder stated there was no known dispute between Brown and the victims. He remarked, “He knew everybody that was in that bar… I just think he snapped.
🧠 Possible Motive and Context
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Multiple sources report that Brown struggled with mental health issues, and a family member indicated he may have suffered from PTSD and exhibited confusion, even believing he was still in military service.
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There is no confirmed motive, and authorities continue to explore whether his mental health and previous service-related trauma played a role in the tragic incident.
📝 Why the Photos Matter
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The exclusive release of Brown’s photographs aims to assist the public and law enforcement in locating him more quickly.
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The distribution, paired with a detailed physical description and vehicle information, significantly increases the likelihood of community vigilance contributing to his capture.
📣 What You Can Do
If you recognize the person in the photos or have information about his whereabouts:
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Do not approach; he is believed to be armed.
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Instead, contact the Anaconda–Deer Lodge Law Enforcement Center at 406‑563‑5241, or 911 in an emergency.
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Be observant and report any suspicious behavior—no detail is too small.
🧭 In Summary
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Michael Paul Brown, a 45-year-old military veteran from Anaconda, has been named as the suspect in a shooting at The Owl Bar that killed four individuals.
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Exclusive photos have been released to assist the ongoing manhunt, showing distinctive facial features and attire.
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Law enforcement, supported by federal agencies, is conducting a widescale search in rugged terrain, asking residents to remain indoors and provide any tips.
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The motive remains under investigation, with possible links to Brown’s mental health and military service.
This tragedy has deeply rattled the Anaconda community. As the manhunt continues, authorities emphasize caution and swift reporting to bring this dangerous situation to resolution.