Montana Manhunt Intensifies: Governor Pledges Full Resources in Search for Bar Shooter

Anaconda, MT – The extensive manhunt for Michael Paul Brown, suspected of killing four people at an Anaconda bar last week, has entered its fifth day, with Montana Governor Greg Gianforte signing an executive order to free up additional resources for law enforcement. The governor’s action underscores the state’s commitment to capturing Brown, a former U.S. soldier believed to be armed and dangerous.

Over three dozen law enforcement agencies, supported by the Montana National Guard, are actively involved in the search across a mountainous area near Anaconda. Officials have declared the manhunt the state’s highest priority. The National Guard has logged nearly 20 hours of flight time, while an undisclosed number of officers continue ground searches, utilizing canine units and heat-detection drones.

Brown, 45, is accused of fatally shooting four individuals – Nancy Lauretta Kelley, 64; Daniel Edwin Baillie, 59; David Allen Leach, 70; and Tony Wayne Palm, 74 – at The Owl Bar with what police believe was his personal rifle. He initially fled in a white pickup before stealing another vehicle stocked with supplies. Authorities released an image of Brown fleeing barefoot after the shooting, taken on Saturday, August 2, 2025.

The incident has deeply rattled the tight-knit community of Anaconda, with residents remaining on high alert. Family members of Brown have stated he has struggled with mental illness and PTSD from his military service (2001-2005, including a deployment to Iraq).

Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen reiterated Tuesday that authorities are operating under the assumption Brown is armed and extremely dangerous, though evidence suggests he has not broken into local cabins for supplies. A 22-square-mile forest area southwest of Anaconda remains closed to the public as the intensive search continues. Federal authorities are offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to Brown’s capture.

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