Who is Michael Paul Brown, suspect in Montana bar shooting that left 4 dead

At least four people were killed in a shooting at a Montana bar on Friday (August 1, 2025), after which a manhunt was launched to find the suspect, according to authorities. The suspect, identified as Michael Paul Brown, is on the run and is believed to still be armed, the Montana Highway Patrol said in a statement.

The shooting happened around 10:30 a.m. on Friday at The Owl Bar in Anaconda, according to the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, which is leading the investigation. The agency confirmed four people were pronounced dead at the scene. According to media reports, more than a dozen officers from local and state police converged on that area, where they appeared to be searching for the suspect in the woods.

Anaconda is about 75 miles (120 kilometers) southeast of Missoula in a valley hemmed in by mountains to the north and south. A town of about 9,000 people, it was founded by copper barons who profited from nearby mines in the late 1800s. A giant smelter that’s no longer operational looms over the town.


The owner of the Firefly Café in Anaconda said she locked up her business at about 11 a.m. Friday, after getting alerted to the shooting by a friend. Two hours later, she was still waiting for an all-clear before reopening. “We are Montanans, so guns are not new to us. For our town to be locked down, everybody’s pretty rattled,” café owner Barbie Nelson said, as quoted by news agency AP. “It’s a small town, so we all probably know someone who was there” at the shooting. she added.

Who is Michael Paul Brown

Michael Paul Brown, 45, who is the suspect in the Anaconda bar shooting, lived next door to the bar, according to public records. Authorities said his home was cleared by a SWAT team and that he was last seen in the Stump Town area, which is just west of Anaconda. Brown was believed to be armed, the Montana Highway Patrol said in a statement.

“Be advised suspect in shooting is believed to be armed and dangerous. Suspect is Michael Paul Brown and was last seen in the stumptown area. Public is advised to stay out of the stumptown area and surrounding areas. If seen do not approach. Contact 911 for any way to contact Michael Paul Brown,” Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Law Enforcement Center said in a Facebook post.

According to authorities, Brown was last seen driving a 2007 white Ford F-150 pickup with Montana plates DTY493, as reported by WCHS-TV is an affiliate of ABC and Fox. The vehicle was seen heading west of Anaconda on Stumptown Road.

Described as 5 feet 10 inches tall, Brown weighs 170 pounds. He has blue eyes and brown hair. According to officials, the suspect is believed to be armed and extremely dangerous. Law enforcement agencies have asked people to contact them immediately if they see him or his vehicle.