ANACONDA, Mont. — Montana officials provided an update Tuesday morning on the ongoing investigation and manhunt for Michael Paul Brown, the suspect in a shooting that killed four people at a bar in Anaconda on Friday, August 1.
Montana Governor Greg Gianforte opened a press conference by naming the victims: Daniel Edwin Bailey, 59; Nancy Loretta Kelly, 64; David Allen Leach, 70; and Tony Wayne Palm, 74. A moment of silence was held to honor the deceased.
“I’ve spoken with members of the victims’ families and shared condolences on behalf of the people of Montana,” Gianforte said. “May God rest their souls and comfort their families at this difficult time.”
The suspect, 45-year-old Michael Paul Brown, remains at large. Authorities say he entered The Owl Bar around 10:30 a.m. on August 1 and opened fire before fleeing the scene.
Gov. Gianforte outlined the ongoing efforts to locate Brown, who is believed to be hiding in a mountainous area near Stumptown Road.
Attorney General Austin Knudsen said the manhunt has been resource-intensive, with law enforcement personnel from 38 local, state, and federal agencies involved. The Montana National Guard has provided air support using a helicopter from its Helena battalion, logging over 19 flight hours through Sunday.
“These tactical teams and the manpower out here—this is very labor-intensive,” Knudsen said. “But this is what Montana does: when something bad happens, neighbors respond.”
The U.S. Marshals Service has offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to Brown’s arrest. Tips can be reported by calling 1-877-WANTED-2 (1-877-926-8332).
DCI Administrator Lee Johnson said law enforcement has expanded the search perimeter based on evidence and terrain. While Johnson did not disclose specifics for operational reasons, he emphasized that authorities are confident they are “searching in the right haystack.”
Officials confirmed that as of now, there is no evidence Brown has broken into any homes or cabins. Law enforcement has conducted thorough sweeps in the area, which includes challenging terrain.
Gov. Gianforte announced he had signed an executive order authorizing emergency funding from the state Emergency Response Fund to assist local agencies with overtime and operational costs.
“This action today will ensure additional financial resources are available as we continue to track down this criminal,” Gianforte said.
Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Attorney Morgan Smith echoed the governor’s sentiments and addressed concerns from the local community, particularly property owners in the Stumptown area.
“We hear your concerns about access to property and safety,” Smith said. “A process is being set up for clearer communication with residents.”
Smith urged the public to refrain from spreading unverified information on social media and to remain patient.
“Law enforcement cannot release every detail during an active investigation,” he said. “When the dust settles, we will answer all the questions we are able to.”
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