Anaconda, MT — August 2, 2025- In the aftermath of one of the deadliest acts of violence in Anaconda’s recent history,we obtained exclusive photographs of 45-year-old Michael Paul Brown, the man law enforcement has named as the sole suspect in the mass shooting at The Owl Bar on Friday morning.
The horrific incident unfolded shortly after 10:30 a.m., sending shockwaves through the tight-knit Montana community. According to the Granite County Sheriff’s Office, four people—a bartender and three patrons—were fatally shot in what authorities describe as a targeted and deliberate act of violence.
Brown remains at large, prompting an urgent, multi-agency manhunt that has spanned into Friday evening and intensified around the Stumptown area. Authorities warn the public that Brown is armed and extremely dangerous, urging residents to lock their doors and vehicles, remain indoors if possible, and report any suspicious activity immediately.
“There is a perimeter set in the Stumptown area,” the Granite County Sheriff’s Office announced at 9:40 p.m. Friday. “Granite County Deputies will be patrolling the Georgetown Lake area and nearby towns. Stay vigilant.”
Exclusive Images and Background
The newly released images, exclusive to us , show Brown in various stages of his adult life—some from his time in military service, others more recent and unsettling, taken in the days leading up to the shooting. These photos now serve as vital leads for the public and investigators alike, as the suspect remains on the run.
A Troubled Past: From Soldier to Suspect
Michael Paul Brown was born and raised in Anaconda and once lived what appeared to be a disciplined and meaningful life of service. He served in the U.S. Army from 2001 to 2005 as an armor crewman, including a deployment to Iraq from early 2004 to March 2005. Following active duty, he joined the Montana National Guard from 2006 until March 2009, attaining the rank of sergeant, according to Lt. Col. Ruth Castro, an Army spokesperson.
But those who knew Brown closely say the discipline of military life masked deep and growing emotional wounds.
“He was a gentle soul once,” said a longtime friend who requested anonymity. “But the war changed him. He came back from Iraq… different. Paranoid. Jumpy. Full of stories that didn’t make sense.”
Several friends and family members spoke with Channel2 NOW and detailed a troubling descent into untreated post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other possible mental health challenges. According to them, Brown began to exhibit increasingly erratic behavior over the past decade, often speaking about covert missions and insisting he was still part of military intelligence.
Red Flags Ignored
What makes this tragedy even more heartbreaking, several residents say, is that it could have been prevented. Concerned citizens had reportedly contacted local authorities on multiple occasions regarding Brown’s deteriorating mental state. However, no formal intervention or mental health evaluation appears to have occurred.
“He needed help,” a former Army buddy told Channel2 NOW. “We begged for someone to step in. He wasn’t well. It’s devastating that no one listened until it was too late.”
Community members now mourn not only the loss of four innocent lives but also what many see as a systemic failure to address mental health crises before they erupt into violence.
Ongoing Investigation and Public Appeal
Authorities have not yet released the names of the four victims, pending next-of-kin notification, but they have confirmed all were locals and well-known in the Anaconda community. Investigators are working through security footage, forensic evidence, and witness statements to piece together Brown’s actions leading up to and during the shooting.
In the meantime, the Granite County Sheriff’s Office, Montana State Police, and federal agencies have expanded the search radius, deploying helicopters, drones, and ground units in what has become a full-scale manhunt.
Anyone with information regarding Michael Paul Brown’s whereabouts is urged to call the Granite County Sheriff’s tip line at (406) 555-1324 or dial 911. Authorities stress: Do not approach him.
A Community on Edge
As Anaconda grapples with shock and grief, makeshift memorials have begun to appear outside The Owl Bar, with candles, handwritten notes, and flowers honoring the lives lost. For now, the town remains on edge—watching, waiting, hoping for a resolution that brings justice and peace.
This is a developing story. Stay with Channel2 NOW for continuous updates and exclusive coverage.
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