Authorities in Montana are searching for a military veteran suspected of killing four people in a shooting at a local bar. The attack occurred early Friday morning at The Owl Bar in Anaconda, a small city in the western part of the state.
Law enforcement has recovered the white Ford F-150 pickup truck used by the suspect to flee the scene, but the gunman remains on the run. Police have identified him as Michael Paul Brown, a former U.S. Army soldier who served in Iraq. Officials warn that he is considered armed and dangerous.
Residents in the area have been urged to stay indoors as the search intensifies, with officers concentrating efforts in rugged terrain west of Anaconda. The suspect was last seen shirtless and barefoot, wearing only black shorts, according to surveillance footage released by investigators.
The bar’s owner, who was not present during the shooting, suggested the attack was sudden and unprovoked, stating that the gunman knew the victims and had no known disputes with them.
Federal agencies, including the FBI and ATF, are assisting local authorities in the manhunt. Montana’s governor has expressed condolences for the victims and praised law enforcement’s efforts.
Anaconda, once a thriving copper mining town, now faces shock and grief as businesses closed early and residents were told to lock their doors. The suspect’s home has already been searched and cleared by SWAT teams.
As the investigation continues, officials are withholding the victims’ names until families are notified. Meanwhile, heavily armed police patrol the area, and drones have been deployed to aid in the search.
The community remains on edge as authorities work to locate the suspect before further violence occurs.
