Mass Shooting Rocks Montana Town as Police Hunt Dangerous Suspect – A tragic shooting unfolded Friday morning in Anaconda, Montana, leaving four people dead at a local bar, according to the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI).
The shooting occurred around 10:30 a.m. at The Owl Bar, and although the scene is now secured, authorities are urgently searching for the suspect, Michael Paul Brown, who is considered armed and dangerous. Law enforcement has urged the public to stay clear of the area and avoid any contact with the suspect.
The Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Law Enforcement Center issued a public safety alert on Facebook, warning residents to remain vigilant. Chase Scheuer, spokesperson for the Montana Department of Justice, also confirmed Brown’s identity to CNN.
So far, investigators have not released information about what may have led to the deadly violence. State and federal agencies including the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Granite County Sheriff’s Office are assisting with the case.
Montana Governor Greg Gianforte posted on social media that he is “closely monitoring” the incident, while Representative Ryan Zinke urged people nearby to lock their doors and stay inside.
This incident marks the 256th mass shooting in the U.S. so far this year, according to data from the Gun Violence Archive, adding to growing concerns about gun violence across the nation.
As the manhunt continues, law enforcement is asking anyone with information on Brown’s whereabouts to contact authorities immediately.