A devastating shooting on August 1, 2025, at the Owl Bar in Anaconda, Montana, has left four people dead, and authorities are now searching for the shooter, identified as 52-year-old Mike Brown. The shooting, which unfolded in the early hours of Friday morning, has left the small town in shock, triggering a major law enforcement response and widespread panic.

The Deadly Shooting: A Night of Horror at the Owl Bar
The tragic events began just before 8:00 a.m. when Mike Brown opened fire inside or near the Owl Bar, a popular establishment located on 3rd Street. Authorities confirmed that multiple victims were killed during the attack, though their identities have not yet been disclosed as the police continue the investigation.

Witnesses describe a chaotic and terrifying scene as Brown allegedly used an AR-15-style rifle in the attack. As the gunfire rang out, local police were immediately dispatched, and the area was quickly flooded with officers, creating a heavy presence in the town. Streets surrounding the Owl Bar were blocked off, and local businesses were instructed to close their doors for safety.

“I heard he killed four at the Owl Bar. Seven police cars are circling,” said a local resident close to the incident. The rapid escalation of the situation prompted police to issue a shelter-in-place order for residents in the immediate vicinity, warning them to stay indoors while the search for the shooter intensified.

Mike Brown: The Suspect on the Loose
Mike Brown, believed to be the shooter, is currently on the loose. Authorities acted swiftly, surrounding a residence where Brown was believed to be holed up, but the suspect managed to evade capture. Reports from unconfirmed scanner traffic indicated that Brown may have fled the scene and was possibly heading toward nearby Philipsburg, prompting broader regional alerts and a search for the suspect across neighboring areas.

As law enforcement efforts continued, the Anaconda Police Department worked with local, state, and federal agencies to secure the town and locate the shooter. They issued public updates on social media, urging residents to stay clear of the 3rd Street and Ash Street areas and to report any suspicious activity immediately.

Shelter-in-Place Orders and Community Confusion
Throughout the morning, conflicting reports caused confusion as shelter-in-place orders were issued, lifted, and later reinstated. By mid-morning, officials clarified that the shelter-in-place order had officially been lifted, but they urged residents to remain cautious, as the investigation and manhunt continued.

The chaotic situation left many residents fearful for their safety, with several community members expressing their shock and anxiety over the unfolding events. “This is so scary. We’re at my mom’s in Anaconda taking care of her,” one woman shared on social media. “This one is too close to home,” another person commented, underscoring the close-knit nature of the community.

The Victims: Identities Pending, Community in Mourning
As the investigation continues, the identities of the four victims killed in the shooting have not been publicly released. The Anaconda Police Department stated that the names of the victims will be withheld until their families have been notified and the formal identification process is completed.

The sudden loss of life has devastated the Anaconda community, leaving friends, family, and residents in mourning. A local community member shared, “I can’t believe this is happening in my hometown. My thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragic event.” The grief felt by the town is palpable, with many coming together to support one another during this difficult time.

The Ongoing Investigation: Law Enforcement Urges Public Cooperation
The Anaconda Police Department, along with other law enforcement agencies, has stressed the importance of public cooperation as the investigation continues. Authorities are requesting that anyone with information related to the shooting or the whereabouts of Mike Brown come forward to assist in the investigation.

In an effort to gather more information, law enforcement has partnered with Crime Stoppers, allowing individuals to report tips anonymously. Any piece of information, no matter how small, could help authorities track down the suspect and bring closure to the victims’ families.

The investigation is expected to continue for several days as authorities work to uncover more details about the shooting, the events leading up to the attack, and Mike Brown’s potential motives.

Public Safety and Advice for Residents
Local officials have continued to emphasize the importance of public safety in the aftermath of the shooting. While the immediate danger appears to have passed with the lifting of the shelter-in-place order, residents are still advised to stay vigilant.

The Anaconda Police Department has issued the following guidelines for the public:

Stay clear of the 3rd Street and Ash Street area.

Comply with all law enforcement instructions.

Refrain from approaching police perimeters.

Call 911 immediately to report any tips or suspicious activity.

Law enforcement has reiterated that while the immediate threat may have passed, the investigation is ongoing, and the suspect remains on the loose.

Conclusion: Anaconda in Crisis
The Owl Bar shooting has left Anaconda reeling, as the community grapples with the shock of such a violent act in their quiet town. The search for Mike Brown, the suspected shooter, continues, and the investigation into the motives behind the attack remains a critical focus for law enforcement.

As the community comes together in the face of this tragedy, the hope is that justice will be served for the victims and their families, and that the killer will soon be apprehended.

Anyone with information related to the shooting or the whereabouts of Mike Brown is urged to contact the Anaconda Police Department or Crime Stoppers anonymously.

This is a developing story. Stay tuned for further updates.