Michael Paul Brown, a 45-year-old former U.S. soldier, is the prime suspect in the tragic shooting that claimed four lives at The Owl Bar in Anaconda, Montana, on Friday morning.
Authorities are on high alert as Brown remains at large and may be armed.
He escaped in a stolen vehicle that was found to contain clothes and camping equipment, raising fears that he could still be in the area.
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen confirmed in a press conference that the shooting was committed with a rifle believed to be Brown’s personal weapon.
The victims included a female bartender, aged 59, and three male patrons, aged between 59 and 74.
Knudsen expressed grave concerns about public safety, urging residents to remain vigilant.
“This is an unstable individual who walked in and murdered four people in cold blood for no reason whatsoever,” Knudsen warned, emphasizing the potential for Brown to return to the bar neighborhood where he lived.
In response to the shocking incident, numerous public events scheduled for the weekend were canceled as law enforcement shifted their focus to a comprehensive search that has now reached its third day.
The search strategies being deployed include investigating areas Brown frequented as a child, particularly the woods where he hunted and camped.
However, Knudsen noted challenges in the search effort due to the peak tourist season in western Montana, which has necessitated local law enforcement to attend to their regular duties.
During his time in military service, Brown served in the Army from 2001 to 2005 and was deployed to Iraq between early 2004 and March 2005.
Following his active duty, he was a member of the Montana National Guard until March 2009, achieving the rank of sergeant.
Clare Boyle, Brown’s niece, shared with the Associated Press that her uncle has faced mental health challenges for years.
She and other family members have reportedly sought assistance on multiple occasions.
“This isn’t just a drunk/high man going wild,” she emphasized in a Facebook message, highlighting the complexity of her uncle’s struggles.
The Montana Attorney General revealed that Brown was known to local authorities prior to the shooting and likely had a connection with at least some of the victims given his proximity to the bar.
Law enforcement released a surveillance photograph of Brown shortly after the incident, showing him barefoot and in minimal clothing.
However, investigators believe he may have since discarded that vehicle and stolen another, which contained camping gear and clothing, indicating he may now be more appropriately attired.
The last confirmed sighting of Brown occurred on Friday afternoon, though officials mentioned confusion due to the involvement of several white vehicles during the incident.
A reward of $7,500 has been established for any information leading to Brown’s capture.
Knudsen urged residents to take precautions and to reach out immediately to 911 if they spot Brown.
“This is still Montana. Montanans know how to take care of themselves. But please, if you have any sightings, call 911,” he stressed.
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