A former United States Army soldier is the prime suspect in a deadly bar shooting in Montana that claimed four lives late Friday night. The small rural community of Columbia Falls, located in northwest Montana, has been rocked by the tragic incident, which local authorities described as a sudden and brutal act of violence.

The incident unfolded around 11:45 p.m. local time at a bar on the outskirts of the town. According to eyewitness reports, the suspect entered the premises and opened fire without warning, targeting individuals near the bar counter and pool table.

Four people were declared dead at the scene, including three patrons and one employee. At least two others sustained injuries and are being treated at Kalispell Regional Medical Center, where their conditions are said to be stable.

Identity of suspect and manhunt

Authorities have not yet publicly named the suspect, but confirmed that he is a former member of the U.S. Army, believed to have served in Iraq and Afghanistan. Law enforcement sources indicated that the suspect had previously exhibited signs of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and had been undergoing treatment until early this year.

Following the shooting, the suspect reportedly fled on foot into a wooded area northeast of the town, prompting a large-scale search operation. More than a dozen officers from the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office, Montana Highway Patrol, and state tactical units have converged on the area.

“We’re treating this as an active and extremely dangerous situation,” said Sheriff Brian Healy at a press briefing Saturday morning. “We believe the suspect may be armed and is possibly using his military training to evade capture.”

Healy added that residents in the search zone had been advised to remain indoors and avoid wooded trails until further notice.

Motive unclear, investigation ongoing

As of now, investigators have not identified a clear motive behind the shooting. Preliminary information suggests that the suspect had no known connection to the victims and acted alone. The FBI and ATF are also assisting in the investigation due to the suspect's military background and potential federal implications.

“This appears to be a random act of violence, but we are leaving no stone unturned,” said state police spokesperson Julia Marks.

Marks confirmed that the suspect had a registered firearm license, but it is unclear whether the weapon used in the shooting was legally owned.

Community in shock

The residents of Columbia Falls, a tight-knit town of fewer than 6,000 people, are reeling from the incident. Memorials and prayer vigils are being planned outside the local church and at the bar where the shooting occurred.

“We’ve never experienced anything like this before. It’s heartbreaking,” said Mayor Tom Kendall. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims’ families. The entire town is grieving.”

Locals described the bar as a popular hangout spot with a reputation for live music, pool tournaments, and weekend barbecues. Victims' names are expected to be released after next of kin are informed.

Spotlight on veterans and mental health

The incident has once again brought attention to the mental health struggles of returning U.S. military personnel, especially those diagnosed with PTSD or other service-related trauma.

Advocacy groups have long warned about the gaps in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' follow-up care, particularly in rural states like Montana where access to mental health services is limited.

“This tragedy underlines the urgent need for comprehensive mental health support for veterans,” said Angela Wright, director of the Montana Veterans Alliance. “We’ve lost four innocent lives, and possibly another to untreated trauma.”

Search continues

As of Saturday afternoon, helicopters with thermal imaging, K-9 units, and drones were being deployed in the search operation. Law enforcement is asking the public to report any suspicious activity or sightings.

“We are doing everything in our power to locate and apprehend the suspect without further harm to anyone,” Sheriff Healy said. “We urge the public to remain calm and vigilant.”

The shooting has been classified as one of the deadliest mass killings in Montana in recent years, and more updates are expected as the situation unfolds.

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