There’s a horrible story out of Montana Friday, as authorities say a gunman shot and killed four people at a bar in Anaconda before fleeing.
Four people are dead after a shooting at a bar in Anaconda, Montana, Friday morning, the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation said in a news release.
Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Law Enforcement Center said in a Facebook post they are searching for suspect Michael Paul Brown, who is believed to be armed and dangerous. The agency advised the public to stay out of the area and to not approach him. Chase Scheuer, a spokesperson for the Montana Department of Justice also identified Brown as the suspect to CNN. The Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, or DCI, is part of the state’s Department of Justice.
The shooting took place at 10:30 a.m. local time at The Owl Bar, and the scene is secure, the Montana DCI said. Additional details about what led up to the shooting were not immediately available.
Anaconda is a small city in southwestern Montana, located at the foot of the Anaconda Mountain Range.
Montana Governor Greg Gianforte posted about the shooting on X:
I’m closely monitoring the situation involving an active shooter in Anaconda. Please join Susan and me in praying for the victims, their loved ones, and the brave law enforcement officers responding to this tragedy.
— Governor Greg Gianforte (@GovGianforte) August 1, 2025
I’m closely monitoring the situation involving an active shooter in Anaconda. Please join Susan and me in praying for the victims, their loved ones, and the brave law enforcement officers responding to this tragedy.
Here’s more on the suspected shooter:
Authorities said Brown was last seen driving a 2007 white Ford F-150 pickup with Montana plates DTY493. The vehicle was spotted heading west of Anaconda on Stumptown Road.
Brown is described as 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighing 170 pounds, with blue eyes and brown hair. Officials warned that Brown is believed to be armed and extremely dangerous.
Montana Senator Tim Sheehy also posted about the tragedy on X:
We are monitoring this tragedy and are in touch with local authorities. We thank law enforcement for their ongoing efforts to protect our communities and pray for the victims, their families, and the entire Anaconda community. https://t.co/IzhIMe0SeW
— Tim Sheehy (@TimSheehyMT) August 1, 2025
We are monitoring this tragedy and are in touch with local authorities. We thank law enforcement for their ongoing efforts to protect our communities and pray for the victims, their families, and the entire Anaconda community.
This is a developing story. RedState will provide further updates as they become available.
