Several fatally shot at Montana bar as suspected gunman remains on run
Several people have been shot near a bar in Anaconda, Montana, according to local media reports.
There were multiple fatalities after a gunman opened fire at The Owl Bar on Friday, NBC Montana reports. Officers from Denver’s Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives officers are responding.
Officials have identified the suspect as 45-year-old Michael Brown. The Granite County Sheriff’s Office described him as wearing a tye-dyed shirt, blue jeans and an orange bandana. Officials say Brown is believed to be armed and extremely dangerous, according to NBC Montana.
“There is an active shooter in Anaconda Deer Lodge,” the sheriff’s office said just after 12:30 local time. “Granite County deputies are at the Georgetown Lake / Flint Creek area.”
A SWAT team cleared the suspect’s house in Anaconda as police continue their search, the sheriff’s office said at 1:30 local time. Officials have not released the name of the suspect.
The Montana Highway Patrol has urged people to stay away from the area.
“There is a heavy law enforcement presence west of Anaconda near Stumptown Road and Anderson Ranch Loop Road,” the agency said. “Authorities are searching for a suspect believed to be armed.”
The sheriff’s office said troopers stopped a driver in a white F-150 while searching for the suspect. The driver was not the suspected gunman.
Governor Greg Gianforte said he’s “closely monitoring the situation involving an active shooter in Anaconda.”
“Please join Susan and me in praying for the victims, their loved ones, and the brave law enforcement officers responding to this tragedy,” Gianforte wrote on X.
This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates.
