Wolf Point, Montana — A shelter-in-place order has been issued for the residents of Wolf Point, Montana, as authorities investigate a tragic and alarming active shooter situation that took place at Albertsons, a grocery store located at 415 Blaine Street in the heart of Wolf Point. On Sunday, September 28, 2025, at approximately 8:40 p.m., local law enforcement received reports of a shooting that left two individuals wounded, one fatally.

The situation escalated quickly, prompting an immediate response from multiple law enforcement agencies, emergency responders, and first responders, including the Wolf Point Police Department, the Roosevelt County Sheriff’s Office, the Fort Peck Tribes Patrol and Criminal Investigation Unit, and the Wolf Point Fire Department. By the time authorities arrived at the scene, one victim had already been pronounced deceased, and another victim had suffered multiple gunshot wounds.

The shooting has left the Wolf Point community in shock, and residents have been urged to stay inside and avoid the area as the search for the suspect continues. Law enforcement officials have confirmed that Ethan Murphy, a 26-year-old man, has been identified as the primary suspect in the shooting. As of the latest updates, Murphy remains at large and is considered armed and dangerous.

The Incident: A Deadly Shooting at Albertsons

The shooting occurred at approximately 8:40 p.m. in the parking lot of Albertsons, a well-known and frequently visited grocery store in the community of Wolf Point. The first emergency call was made shortly after shots were fired, alerting law enforcement to the unfolding situation. By the time Officer Bushman arrived at the scene, he found two victims who had been struck by gunfire.

One of the victims, a man, was pronounced dead at the scene despite efforts to revive him. His identity has not yet been made public, pending notification of next of kin. The second victim, a female, was found suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Officer Bushman immediately began rendering first aid to the injured individual, stabilizing her condition until emergency medical personnel arrived.

The victim was then airlifted to Trinity Hospital in Wolf Point, where she received further medical treatment for her injuries. The condition of the surviving victim remains unclear, but she is said to be in stable condition. Her injuries are not life-threatening, though her recovery will likely take time.

The discovery of the deceased victim and the wounded woman marks the second tragic shooting incident in the area in a matter of weeks, as the small community grapples with the traumatic loss and the fear that comes with such violence. While this incident may have been contained, many residents fear that this could be the beginning of more violence.

Law Enforcement’s Response: The Search for Ethan Murphy

Upon learning of the shooting, local authorities quickly deployed officers to secure the scene. Wolf Point Police, along with the Fort Peck Tribes Patrol and Criminal Investigation Unit, immediately began searching for the suspect. A large police presence was established, and local law enforcement teams began scouring the surrounding area for any sign of Ethan Murphy, who had reportedly fled the scene on foot after firing shots in the parking lot.

Authorities soon identified Murphy, a 26-year-old man from Wolf Point, as the suspect in the shooting. Murphy is said to have been involved in a personal dispute with the victims, though investigators are still working to piece together the exact motive for the shooting. Law enforcement officials have confirmed that Murphy is believed to be armed and dangerous, and they are advising the public to remain cautious until he is located.

Local authorities have issued a shelter-in-place order, urging all Wolf Point residents to stay inside their homes and lock their doors. The police have advised the community to avoid the Albertsons parking lot and surrounding areas while the search for Murphy continues. Officers have blocked off several roads near the scene, including parts of Blaine Street and surrounding routes, as law enforcement units search for the suspect and work to ensure public safety.

The investigation remains active, and law enforcement agencies continue to work together to locate Ethan Murphy. As part of the search efforts, local police are reviewing any nearby security footage and speaking with potential witnesses who may have seen the suspect before, during, or after the shooting. Authorities have also released a description of Murphy and are asking the public to report any sightings or information that may lead to his capture.

Ethan Murphy: The Suspect and His Motive

Ethan Murphy, a 26-year-old man from Wolf Point, was described by law enforcement officials as the primary suspect in the shooting. His background is still under investigation, but initial reports suggest that Murphy may have been involved in a personal conflict with the victims. Whether this was a targeted attack or a random act of violence is still unclear.

Details surrounding the suspect’s personal life and connections to the victims remain limited, but authorities are working to gather more information to piece together a motive. Law enforcement officials believe Murphy may have been acting out of anger or frustration, though they are keeping all possibilities open as they continue their investigation.

Murphy is considered armed and dangerous, and authorities have warned that he should not be approached by members of the public. Residents are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement. Murphy’s whereabouts remain unknown, but investigators are following several leads and believe that he may be trying to flee the area. Authorities have not ruled out the possibility that he may have sought assistance from others in his escape, and law enforcement is looking into any potential accomplices.

The Shelter-in-Place Order: Public Safety and Vigilance

The shelter-in-place order issued by local authorities has been a crucial measure in ensuring the safety of residents during the ongoing search for Ethan Murphy. Residents in Wolf Point have been instructed to stay inside their homes, avoid leaving for non-essential reasons, and keep all doors and windows securely locked. Authorities have also recommended that people monitor their surroundings for any suspicious behavior and report it to law enforcement immediately.

The lockdown extends to several areas in close proximity to Albertsons and Blaine Street, where the shooting occurred. Law enforcement has been actively patrolling the affected neighborhoods and urging residents to remain alert. Emergency response teams, including local fire departments and paramedics, have been stationed at various points to assist in case further medical needs arise.

Although the immediate area around the shooting site is currently secured, law enforcement has not lifted the shelter-in-place order, as the search for Murphy continues. Authorities are aware of the distress this may cause, but they have emphasized the importance of cooperation and public safety during the investigation.

Impact on the Wolf Point Community

The shooting has shaken the Wolf Point community to its core. Known for its small-town atmosphere and close-knit residents, Wolf Point is typically a peaceful place. The tragic events at Albertsons have left many people in fear and disbelief. The sense of security that residents once had has been significantly impacted, and the aftermath of the shooting is likely to have long-lasting effects on the community.

Many residents are grappling with the emotional toll of the incident, as some knew the victims personally, while others are struggling with the anxiety caused by the ongoing search for the suspect. Local mental health professionals have been made available to assist those affected by the violence and the heightened state of alert in the community.

In addition to the emotional and psychological impact, the economic and logistical effects of the lockdown are also being felt. Businesses in the area, particularly Albertsons, have been forced to close temporarily while law enforcement continues its investigation. The disruption to normal life has left residents uncertain about how to proceed, and many are eagerly awaiting updates from local authorities.

Investigation and Next Steps

As the investigation into the shooting continues, law enforcement is exploring all possible leads to locate Ethan Murphy. In addition to the ongoing search, authorities are reviewing security footage from the area surrounding Albertsons, interviewing witnesses, and analyzing any potential evidence that could shed light on the motive behind the attack.

The multi-agency response to the shooting has been swift, and authorities are working together to ensure that the suspect is apprehended as quickly as possible. The Roosevelt County Sheriff’s Office, the Fort Peck Tribes Patrol and Criminal Investigation Unit, and the Wolf Point Police Department are coordinating their efforts to locate Murphy and bring him into custody.

As law enforcement continues to search for the suspect, additional updates will be provided to the public. A press conference is scheduled for later today, where local officials are expected to release more details about the investigation, the condition of the victims, and any new developments related to the case.

Conclusion: The Road to Recovery

As the investigation into the shooting continues, the Wolf Point community is facing an uncertain future. The shelter-in-place order remains in effect, and residents are being urged to remain vigilant. The search for Ethan Murphy is ongoing, and law enforcement officials are working tirelessly to locate the suspect and ensure the safety of the public.

The emotional toll on the community has been significant, and residents are doing their best to support one another during this difficult time. The victims and their families, along with the rest of the Wolf Point community, will undoubtedly carry the weight of this tragic event for years to come. As more information becomes available, authorities remain committed to providing updates and bringing those responsible for the shooting to justice.