Former US soldier kills four people in Montana bar shooting
- Michael Paul Brown is suspected of killing four individuals at The Owl Bar in Anaconda, Montana, using a personal rifle.
- Search efforts for Brown have involved 38 agencies and continued for several days following the shooting.
- The community of Anaconda is deeply impacted by the tragedy, and there is a $7,500 reward for information leading to Brown's capture.
In Anaconda, Montana, a small community with about 9,000 residents, a tragic event unfolded on a Friday morning when Michael Paul Brown, a 45-year-old former U.S. soldier, allegedly opened fire at The Owl Bar, resulting in the deaths of four individuals. The attack, which involved Brown reportedly using his personal rifle, has left the town shaken and on high alert. Following the shooting, law enforcement agencies from local, state, and federal levels launched an extensive manhunt for Brown, who remains at large days later. The victims include bartender Nancy Loretta Kelly, 64, and patrons Daniel Edwin Bailey, 59; David Allen Leach, 70; and Tony Wayne Palm, 74. Many residents expressed their heartbreak over the incident, emphasizing that in a close-knit community like Anaconda, the loss is felt deeply throughout the entire town. Investigators believe that Brown was familiar with the victims, as he lived next door to the bar where the shooting occurred. Michael Paul Brown's military background includes serving as an armor crewman in the Army from 2001 to 2005, including a deployment to Iraq. He continued his military service in the Montana National Guard until 2009, reaching the rank of sergeant. Reports indicate that Brown has struggled with mental illness for an extended period, prompting concerns from family members who sought assistance for him. His history with law enforcement suggests he was not a stranger to local authorities prior to this incident. As the manhunt progresses, thirty-eight agencies are now involved in the search efforts. Law enforcement officials have utilized both ground and aerial resources to locate Brown, and the area surrounding Anaconda has been mobilized for search operations. The community remains hopeful for a swift resolution to this incident, while law enforcement agencies assure the public that they are committed to capturing the suspect and bringing him to justice. The Montana Governor announced financial support aimed at bolstering the search efforts, affirming that the men and women of law enforcement are unwavering in their commitment to finding Brown and ensuring community safety.