Four people were killed in a shooting at The Owl Bar in Anaconda, Montana, on the morning of August 1, 2025, around 10:30 a.m. local time. Local police, along with the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, confirmed the deaths and identified the suspect as Michael Brown, 45, who is still at large and considered armed and dangerous. The incident, which shocked the small city founded in the late 19th century, prompted authorities to place Anaconda under lockdown, with intense searches for the shooter ongoing in the western part of the city, particularly around Stumptown Road and Anderson Ranch Loop Road. The motive for the attack remains unclear, but the crime scene has been secured by law enforcement, with support from the FBI and ATF. Montana Governor Greg Gianforte is monitoring the situation and called for prayers for the victims and their families.
The tragedy rattled the local community, known for its copper mining history. Witnesses told local media that the suspect fled the scene in a white Ford F-150 with Montana license plate DTY493. Police urged residents to avoid the area and report any suspicious activity. The investigation is ongoing, with few details released about the circumstances of the shooting.
- Initial case details: The shooting occurred at a bar in the historic Goosetown neighborhood of Anaconda.
- Authorities’ response: SWAT teams searched the suspect’s home but found no trace of him.
- Public alert: Residents were instructed to lock doors and avoid unnecessary travel.
Suspect identity and ongoing search
Authorities identified Michael Brown, 45, as the prime suspect in the shooting at The Owl Bar. He is described as a 5’10” man weighing about 170 pounds, with blue eyes and brown hair. According to police, Brown was last seen wearing a tie-dye T-shirt, blue jeans, and an orange bandana. He is believed to have fled in a 2007 white Ford F-150 with Montana license plate DTY493, last spotted in western Anaconda.
The search for the suspect involves a large police force, including Anaconda Police, Granite County Sheriff’s Department, Montana Highway Patrol, and agents from the FBI and ATF. A helicopter and drones have been deployed to scour the Stumptown Road area, but Brown remains at large. A similar vehicle was stopped in Deer Lodge County, but the driver was not the suspect.
- Suspect description: Michael Brown, 45, 5’10”, 170 lbs, blue eyes, brown hair.
- Clothing worn: Tie-dye T-shirt, blue jeans, orange bandana.
- Vehicle: 2007 white Ford F-150, license plate DTY493.
- Search area: Stumptown Road and Anderson Ranch Loop Road, western Anaconda.
Community and local authorities’ reaction
The news of the shooting stunned Anaconda’s residents, a city of just over 9,000 people. The Owl Bar, located on East 3rd Street, is a well-known community spot frequented by locals and workers. Witnesses reported to local media that the shooter was seen carrying a rifle, possibly an AR-15, though this has not been officially confirmed by authorities.
Governor Greg Gianforte took to social media to express solidarity with the victims and their families, urging residents to follow law enforcement’s guidance. Montana Congressman Ryan Zinke also spoke out, advising residents to stay indoors and lock their doors while the search continues.
Police presence has been heightened across the city, with roadblocks near the bar and increased patrols in rural areas surrounding Anaconda. The lockdown disrupted daily life, with schools and businesses temporarily closed.
History of gun violence in Montana
While Montana has relatively low rates of violent crime, gun-related incidents have raised concerns in recent years. Firearm ownership is common in the state, where hunting and outdoor activities are part of the local culture. However, mass shootings in public places, like the one at The Owl Bar, are rare and spark debates about public safety and gun regulations.
Data from the Gun Violence Archive shows that in 2024, Montana recorded about 50 gun violence incidents, resulting in roughly 20 deaths. The Anaconda case stands out for its severity, marking one of the deadliest incidents in the state in recent years. The lack of information about the attack’s motive complicates early analysis, but authorities pledged to release more details as the investigation progresses.
- Violence rates: Montana saw 50 gun incidents in 2024, with 20 deaths.
- Local culture: Gun ownership is common, tied to hunting and sports.
- Event rarity: Public shootings are uncommon in Anaconda.
- Ongoing investigation: The motive for the attack remains unclear.
Safety measures and next steps
The Montana Division of Criminal Investigation is leading the probe, with support from federal agencies. The priority is locating Michael Brown, who is considered a public safety threat due to the likelihood of being armed. SWAT conducted a sweep of the suspect’s residence, but the operation yielded no arrest.
Police requested that any information about Brown’s whereabouts be reported immediately at 406-563-5241. Residents were advised to avoid western Anaconda and remain vigilant. The use of drones and helicopters in the search indicates advanced technology is being employed to track the suspect in rural, hard-to-reach areas.
Meanwhile, the local community has begun organizing vigils to honor the victims, whose identities have not yet been released. Authorities are expected to provide more details about the victims and the shooting’s context in the coming hours, as the city remains on high alert.
Impact on Anaconda’s daily life
The lockdown in Anaconda disrupted the city’s routine, leaving streets empty and businesses shuttered. Schools canceled classes, and weekend events were postponed. Uncertainty surrounding the suspect’s capture has kept residents on edge, particularly in rural areas near the search zones.
Locals expressed feelings of insecurity, unusual for a community known for its tranquility. The Owl Bar, a traditional gathering spot, is now the site of a tragedy that marks Anaconda’s history. Community leaders called for calm and cooperation with authorities as the investigation seeks to uncover the reasons behind the attack.
The police mobilization and national attention to the case have placed Anaconda at the center of discussions about gun violence in the United States. As the search for Michael Brown continues, the city grapples with grief and the quest for answers.
