Anaconda, Montana — August 1, 2025 — A tragic mass shooting unfolded Friday evening at The Owl Bar in Anaconda, Montana, resulting in the deaths of four people and sparking a large-scale manhunt for the suspected gunman, 45-year-old Michael Paul Brown. The incident has shocked the small commy and prompted an extensive search operation across the region.
Suspect Identified: Michael Paul Brown, a Veteran with PTSD
The suspect, Michael Paul Brown, is a U.S. Army veteran with a history of mental health struggles, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), according to family members. Authorities have deemed him armed and extremely dangerous. Witnesses confirm that Brown entered the bar carrying an AR-15 style rifle and opened fire on patrons before fleeing the scene.
His niece took to social media to emphasize that Brown had long suffered from severe mental illness and warned against mischaracterizing the incident as a substance-fueled rampage.
Victims of the Montana Shooting
Four individuals were fatally shot in the attack:
- Daniel Edwin Ballie, 59
- Nancy Lauretta Kelly, 64, a longtime employee of the bar
- David Allen Leach, 70
- Tony Wayne Palm, 74
The owner of The Owl Bar stated that Brown knew all the victims and had no known disputes with them. “It seemed like something inside him just snapped,” he said.
How the Shooting Unfolded
On Friday evening, August 1, Brown reportedly walked into The Owl Bar, armed with a semi-automatic rifle, and began shooting indiscriminately. Panic ensued as bar patrons fled or took cover. Brown quickly escaped the scene before law enforcement could arrive.
Law enforcement agencies from across the state responded within minutes. More than 250 officers are now involved in the manhunt, which includes aerial surveillance from helicopters and drones, as well as canine units.
Ongoing Manhunt Across Rural Montana
The suspect was last seen heading west from Anaconda into mountainous, heavily wooded terrain. The Montana Highway Patrol issued warnings via Facebook, urging residents to stay indoors and avoid the search zone. Brown remains at large, and the search continues over rugged territory near Anaconda.
Governor Greg Gianforte and Attorney General Austin Knudsen have both addressed the public. Gianforte posted on X (formerly Twitter) asking for prayers for the victims and law enforcement officers, while Knudsen identified the victims and emphasized the unprecedented scale of the law enforcement response.
Community in Mourning, Officials Seek Answers
Anaconda residents are grappling with grief and confusion. Many described the victims as well-known members of the small town. Local news outlet Montana Free Press reported that vigils are already being planned, and city leaders are providing grief counseling and support to affected families.
Authorities have not yet determined a motive, but mental health is believed to be a significant factor. As one local resident told The Guardian, "This wasn’t random. It was something much deeper."
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