Michael Brown dies in fatal Anaconda shooting
Fatal Anaconda shooting death of Michael Brown
An attack at the Owl Bar in Anaconda, Montana, claimed the lives of four people, and officials are still seeking the individual responsible, described as an Army veteran who resided nearby.
Law enforcement has officially identified Michael Brown, aged 45, as the suspect in the incident that occurred at the bar on Friday morning. This event represents the most significant loss of life in Montana since 2015. According to his family members, Mr. Brown was an Army veteran dealing with mental health challenges, and he lived close to the bar.
The violent incident sent shockwaves through Anaconda, a close-knit community in Deer Lodge County. Some residents expressed concerns about personal safety, mentioning they might now secure their doors at night for the first time in years, while others discussed carrying weapons for self-defense.
Details surrounding the attack are still emerging. Footage from a security camera at the Owl Bar showed a man exiting the premises after the shooting, and the Montana Department of Justice’s Criminal Investigation Division confirmed the figure was Michael Brown. The video depicted him as thin and dressed in dark shorts without a shirt. The reasons behind the attack remain unclear.
The four victims’ identities have not been disclosed, but authorities stated on Saturday that three were bar patrons, and one was the bartender. The New York Times reported on this information.
Further details about the suspect indicate that Michael Brown, known as Mikey, was a long-time Anaconda resident. He served in the Army as an armor crewman for four years and was deployed to Iraq for 13 months in 2004-2005, as confirmed by an Army spokesperson. After his military service, during which he held the rank of sergeant, he joined the Montana National Guard until 2009.
Family members described his struggles with severe post-traumatic stress disorder following his service. One sister, speaking anonymously, mentioned he suffered from night terrors and was so paranoid he avoided owning a cellphone. His relatives also noted he was later diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. They attempted to secure help for him, but he declined treatment. His mental health deteriorated after his mother’s death in 2021.
Despite his mental health issues, acquaintances reported that Mr. Brown was generally composed and had not exhibited violence previously. For instance, Jim Jardine, who knew him, stated, “He was in his own world, but we accepted him for who he was.”
The search for Brown continued into the weekend. Chief Bill Sather of the Anaconda Deer Lodge County Police delivered a brief video message urging residents to remain alert but active in their daily routines. Prior to that, officials had advised people to stay indoors, leading to business closures; however, they reopened on Saturday, with the town appearing deserted.
Investigators focused their efforts on the area where Brown was last seen, according to a statement from Montana’s attorney general spokesperson, Chase Scheuer. The rugged terrain and dense landscape pose challenges for the search, with law enforcement using various methods, including ground searches, vehicles, and aircraft.
Multiple agencies collaborated on the manhunt, including local sheriff departments, the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, the FBI, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
Anaconda, a former copper-mining town located near Butte, has a population of about 10,000 and is surrounded by wilderness, including the Flint Creek and Pintler mountain ranges. Described as a peaceful community where everyone knows each other, it was previously accustomed to quiet streets.
A bartender at another local establishment in Anaconda described the Owl Bar as a welcoming and long-standing fixture, noting it offered the best tap beer in town and was a common gathering spot for residents. The bar is situated in a residential neighborhood, typically quiet during the day.
Michael Brown lived on the same street as the bar, and social media posts suggested he had visited there before the incident.
