On social media, rumors and misinformation on the Anaconda shooting ran amok

Almost immediately, comments, along with continuous rumors were flying across social media regarding Friday morning’s tragic shooting deaths of Daniel Baillie, Nancy Kelley, David Leach, and Tony Palm, at the Owl Bar in Anaconda.

Thoughts about the alleged shooter, Michael Brown, his whereabouts and mental state, were also voiced.

The comments continued throughout the weekend, with figurative battle lines seemingly drawn while people argued back and forth.

So much so, that a moderator for one Facebook page begged members to stop with the “negative, finger pointing, blame game, venting, arguing, fault finding, dividing posts.”

Butte-Silver Bow Sheriff Ed Lester was not surprised and said social media is very powerful in that large amounts of information can be put out.

“The danger is that anyone with a phone can put out a ton of misinformation that is nothing but rumors or speculation,” he said. “That just makes a bad situation worse.”

That misinformation included the erroneous news that two more people were killed on Friday.

The Butte sheriff, who was at the crime scene Friday in neighboring Anaconda-Deer Lodge County, is asking people to wait for an official release from law enforcement and then share it.

“Believe me, we do the best we can to get information out, but sometimes there’s a lot going on,” he said.

Some weekend social media contributors shared their opinions of the tragedy while others were glued to their police scanners, reporting what they heard.

“They have eyes on him, and they are trying to flush him down to an open meadow, where another team awaits,” reported one woman.

Later, another woman shared, “Got a call of a man walking erratically down the highway.”

Almost immediately, another man commented, “Male walking on the shoulder got called in, somewhat fitting the description, acting erratic,” he said, while another woman chimed in, “another person reported seeing him on Storm Lake Road.”

In the past three days, many more on social media argued back and forth regarding coverage of the tragedy and the perceived lack of transparency.

“Let the investigation happen” wrote one woman.

Her advice left a man angerly replying, “There is NOTHING wrong with asking about updates.”

“All people want to know is what is going for all of our safety,” said another.

Lester said in any major event, such as Friday’s shooting, law enforcement tries to inform the public about what is happening as fast as possible.

“Sometimes it takes longer because the situation is evolving quickly, and we always want to put out accurate information,” he said.

Prior to Friday’s shooting, if a person typed in “Owl Bar of Anaconda,” the establishment ranked high on Google ratings, describing the place as “nice and friendly.”

One woman described it as “a small-town hangout where everybody knows everybody and new people will always be welcomed without judgement.”

But online trollers were out in force over the weekend, posting vile comments such as “This place is dead.”

Many of the comments, however, were not at all combative. Several local and out-of-state people shared heartfelt messages.

“The Owl Bar, a place of gathering and familiarity, became the site of unspeakable loss,” wrote one man. “We mourn the souls taken and we hold in our hearts those who now carry the weight of absence.”

A Kansas woman who grew up in Anaconda relayed her condolences as well.

“Even though I’ve not been in a long time my heart has been torn out by this. Never can Anaconda be removed from my heart,” she said.  “I pray for each and every one of you.”

A Palmer, Alaska resident simply posted “Prayers for Anaconda.”

In solidarity, drinking establishments across Montana sent condolences, too.

“From one small bar to another, our hearts are with you,” posted High Tide Casino and Bar of Billings.

Selina Pankovich, owner of the M&M Bar and Café, shared her thoughts with the Anaconda community.

“To the victims’ families, friends, and loved ones, my deepest condolences go out to you. To the patrons who found solace and camaraderie in your bar, and to the tight-knit Anaconda community, I share in your sorrow and stand with you in solidarity,” posted Pankovich. “My thoughts are with you all as you navigate this heartbreak, and I hope you find strength in the love and support of those around you.”