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ANACONDA, Mont. – A former Army soldier, suspected in a tragic shooting at a local bar in a small western town, sparked a week-long manhunt. The incident resulted in the loss of four lives in a community of 9,000 residents.
Michael Paul Brown, a 45-year-old resident of Anaconda, Montana, was the target of a massive manhunt until authorities finally captured him near a barn close to the crime scene. Brown is now in custody and is expected to face severe consequences for his actions.
Here is a detailed timeline of the shooting and the subsequent events that unfolded.
Friday, Aug. 1
Michael Paul Brown entered The Owl Bar in Anaconda around 10:30 a.m. and opened fire. Brown was a regular at the bar and was familiar with the patrons, according to Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen.
The Owl Bar in Anaconda, Montana is shown on August 7, 2025, surrounded by crime scene tape. (Peter D’Abrosca/Fox News Digital) (Fox News Digital)
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Authorities quickly identified Brown as the suspect. A SWAT team searched his residence but did not find him.
Montana Governor Greg Gianforte acknowledged the situation in a Facebook post, expressing concern for the victims, their families, and the law enforcement officers involved.
The FBI and ATF joined the search for Brown, and a massive manhunt was launched in the rugged mountains near Stumptown Road. The search involved multiple law enforcement agencies and a lockdown was issued for the area.
Michael Paul Brown is wanted in connection to a shooting incident in Anaconda-Deer Lodge County, Montana. (Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Law Enforcement Center)
Authorities located a Ford F-150 that Brown was driving, but he was not found with the vehicle, which was stocked with clothing, food, and outdoor gear.
Later that day, Brown was identified as a former armor crewman in the Army, with a history of military service. He was deployed to Iraq and served in the Montana National Guard.
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Saturday, Aug. 2
Authorities released a photo of Brown shortly after the shooting, scaling a cement staircase. The search expanded to the Barker Lakes area, and 250 law enforcement personnel were involved in the efforts.
The Department of Criminal Investigations in Montana released a new photo of Michael Brown fleeing the scene after allegedly shooting and killing four people at a bar on Aug. 1, 2025. (Department of Criminal Investigations)
Sunday, Aug. 3
Officials identified the victims and announced that the search for Brown was the top priority. The victims were residents of Anaconda, including a bartender and three patrons.
A reward was offered for information leading to Brown’s arrest, and authorities emphasized that he should be considered armed and dangerous.
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Concerns were raised about Brown potentially returning to the town, given his unstable behavior during the shooting.
The Owl Bar where Michael Paul Brown allegedly shot and killed four people on Aug. 1, 2025 (left) and Brown’s boarded up home (right). Photographed Aug. 8, 2025. (Peter D’Abrosca/Fox News Digital) (Peter D’Abrosca/Fox News Digital)
Monday, Aug. 4
The search for Brown continued, with an increased reward for information leading to his capture.
Tuesday, Aug. 5
Gianforte addressed the public and emphasized the dedication of law enforcement in pursuing Brown. He also mentioned the assistance provided by the Montana National Guard in the search efforts.
Emergency state funding was released to support local law enforcement in their efforts to locate Brown.
Main St. in Anaconda, Montana, leads to the Deer Lodge County Courthouse with mountains in the background. Photographed on Aug. 8, 2025 (Peter D’Abrosca/Fox News Digital) (Peter D’Abrosca/Fox News Digital)
Wednesday, Aug. 6
The search continued without major updates from authorities.
Thursday, Aug. 7
Residents shared their concerns about Brown potentially returning to the town, expressing fear and unease about the situation.
Jill Rowles, is bartender at Jfk Bar, down the street from The Owl Bar, photographed on Aug. 8, 2025. (Peter D’Abrosca/Fox News Digital) (Peter D’Abrosca/Fox News Digital)
Residents described a somber atmosphere in the town, with heightened anxiety and a sense of vulnerability.
Friday, Aug. 8
The manhunt for Brown continued, with residents hoping for a resolution to the situation. Suddenly, news broke that Brown had been apprehended.
Flowers and momentos rest on the street in front of The Owl Bar in Anaconda, Montana, where four people were shot and killed on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025. (Peter D’Abrosca/Fox News Digital) (Fox News Digital)
Gianforte confirmed the news of Brown’s arrest, expressing gratitude for the law enforcement efforts in capturing him.
Authorities announced that Brown had been located near a barn and was taken into custody without incident.
Details about the charges against Brown and his motives for the shooting have not been disclosed.
Fox News’ Alexandra Koch, Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, and Adam Sabes contributed to this report.
