Michael Paul Brown, a military veteran, has been arrested following a bar shooting in Montana that left four people dead. Authorities state that Brown, who is a US Army veteran, opened fire in the Owl Bar on 1 August. The shooting prompted a multi-agency investigation and manhunt, as Brown reportedly fled to nearby hills and discarded his clothing. No motive has been established yet.
Montana’s Attorney General, Austin Knudsen, praised the “unrelenting law enforcement effort” that led to Brown’s capture. He noted that the suspect was found near Anaconda, a small town surrounded by challenging terrain. Governor Greg Gianforte also commended the “incredible response from law enforcement officers across Montana.”
According to The Owl Bar’s owner, David Gwerder, the shooter was known to frequent the pub and lived nearby. He believed there was no specific conflict with other patrons, but speculated that the shooter “snapped.” The victims were identified as Nancy Lauretta Kelley, a 64-year-old barmaid, and three customers: Daniel Edwin Baillie, 59, David Allen Leach, 70, and Tony Wayne Palm, 74.
Brown served in the US military from 2001 to 2005, including a deployment to Iraq. After the incident, authorities found the pick-up truck used by Brown but not the suspect himself. A photo later showed a man matching Brown’s description barefoot and shirtless, walking down steps after disposing of clothes and belongings. Brown reportedly acquired new clothes and footwear, allowing him to move around.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c62wg73w5v9o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss
