Manhunt Underway After 4 Killed in Mass Shooting at Anaconda, Montana Bar; Suspect Michael Paul Brown at Large
On Friday morning, August 1, 2025, at approximately 10:30 a.m. MDT, authorities responded to an active shooter situation at The Owl Bar on East 3rd Street in Anaconda. According to the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, four individuals were pronounced dead at the scene .
🚨 Suspect: Michael Paul Brown
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Identity & Age: The suspect has been identified as Michael Paul Brown, a 45-year-old resident living next door to the Owl Bar .
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Description: Brown is believed to be armed and dangerous. He was last seen wearing a tie-dyed shirt, blue jeans, and an orange bandana .
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Vehicle: Last seen driving a white 2007 Ford F‑150 pickup with Montana license plates DTY493 .
🚓 Law Enforcement Response
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A massive manhunt is underway, led by the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, with support from local law enforcement, the Montana Highway Patrol, the ATF, the FBI, and SWAT teams .
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Brown’s home was cleared by SWAT, but he has not been located .
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The suspect is believed to be in the Stumptown area west of Anaconda, particularly around Stumptown Road and Anderson Ranch Loop Road .
🏙️ Local Impact
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A townwide lockdown in Anaconda (population ~9,000) has been enacted. Residents and businesses have been instructed to remain indoors and avoid the affected areas .
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Local businesses, including the Firefly Café, temporarily shut down as precautionary measures. The town remains on high alert amid widespread concern and shock .
❓ What’s Unknown
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Motive: Authorities have not publicly released any details regarding the motive behind the shooting .
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Victim Identities: The identities of the deceased have not yet been made public .
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Additional Injuries: Reports confirm multiple people were shot, but specific details about injuries remain undisclosed.
⏳ Timeline of Events
| Time (MDT) | Event |
|---|---|
| ~10:30 a.m. | Shooting at the Owl Bar; four killed on site. |
| ~11:00 a.m. | Businesses, including Firefly Café, begin lockdown. |
| 午後‑12:20 p.m. | Official DOJ press release confirms suspect search. |
| Afternoon | SWAT clears suspect’s home; law enforcement deployment spreads west toward Stumptown. |
⚠️ Public Safety Guidance
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Do not approach the suspect if seen. He is considered armed and dangerous
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Avoid the Stumptown area, and stay tuned to law enforcement updates.
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Lock doors, remain indoors, and contact 911 immediately with any credible sightings or tips
🧾 Key Takeaways
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A mass shooting at Owl Bar in Anaconda, Montana claimed four lives, sparking a large-scale manhunt for suspect Michael Paul Brown, a nearby resident.
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Brown remains at large; he is believed to be driving a distinctive white Ford F‑150 and was last seen in tie‑dyed clothing and an orange bandana.
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The Stumptown area west of Anaconda is the primary search zone. Residents are urged to stay indoors and practice vigilance.
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The incident has left the tight-knit community deeply shaken, with ongoing concerns for public safety.