Authorities are actively searching for a former American soldier who is believed to be responsible for a deadly shooting at a bar in Montana, resulting in the loss of four lives.
Anaconda Shooting: Former Soldier Michael Paul Brown Wanted for Deadly Attack
In a tragic turn of events, the small town of Anaconda, Montana, was shaken by a mass shooting at The Owl Bar on a Friday morning in August 2025. Four people, including the bartender and three patrons, lost their lives in the incident. The suspect, Michael Paul Brown, a 45-year-old former U.S. soldier, is currently being sought by law enforcement officers.
Anaconda, located approximately 120 kilometers southeast of Missoula, is known for its history rooted in copper mining, having been founded by copper barons in the late 1800s. A smelter stack that's no longer operational looms over the valley of Anaconda, serving as a stark reminder of the town's past.
Brown, who resided next door to the site of the shooting, according to public records and the bar owner, David Gwerder, served in the US Army as an armor crewman from 2001 to 2005. He deployed to Iraq from early 2004 until March 2005. After leaving the Army, Brown joined the Montana National Guard from 2006 to March 2009 and left military service as a sergeant.
Brown's niece, Clare Boyle, stated that he has been mentally ill for years. She mentioned that the family has tried repeatedly to seek help for Brown, who was described by friends as having untreated mental illness with delusional beliefs about still serving in special forces, and symptoms consistent with PTSD.
The Montana Highway Patrol believes Brown is armed, and more than a dozen officers from local and state police are involved in the search. The Montana Division of Criminal Investigation is leading the investigation into the shooting.
Brown was last seen in the Stump Town area, just west of Anaconda. The community is on high alert, with concerns about Brown's deteriorating mental state and the belief that he may know some of the victims. Despite efforts to intervene before the shooting, there was no successful intervention.
As the search for Brown continues, the community of Anaconda is left to grapple with the aftermath of this senseless act of violence. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families during this difficult time.
[1] Public Records and Local Reports [2] Interviews with Friends and Family [3] Montana Highway Patrol Statement [4] Montana Division of Criminal Investigation Statement
- Michael Paul Brown, the suspect wanted for the deadly shooting at The Owl Bar in Anaconda, had a history of residing near the site of the incident, as indicated by public records and statements from the bar owner and local reports.
- Friends and family of Brown revealed that he has suffered from mental illness for several years, with symptoms consistent with PTSD and delusional beliefs about still serving in special forces.
- According to a statement from the Montana Highway Patrol, Brown is currently believed to be armed and over a dozen officers from local and state police are actively involved in the search for him.
- The Montana Division of Criminal Investigation is leading the investigation into the shooting, as stated by their official announcement.
- In an attempt to piece together the events leading to the tragedy, the investigation is likely to delve into the realm of mental health, health-and-wellness, and crime-and-justice, as well as general-news and breaking news about the incident in the world of art, business, science, and publications focusing on mental health.
