Williams County (trfnews.i234.me) – A dramatic armed standoff at the Fort Union Trading Post has led to federal charges against 36-year-old Ian Patrick Stewart of Williston, North Dakota.
Last month, a park employee found Stewart at the gate armed with a fire poker and the fort’s donation box. He soon barricaded himself inside with a gun stolen from a museum display, claimed to have 30 days of supplies, and threatened to burn the fort, destroy artifacts, and hurt law enforcement if they entered.
The crisis ended after an hour-long negotiation involving SWAT and crisis teams. Stewart surrendered around 5:30 p.m.. A federal indictment now charges him with terrorizing, damaging federal property, and making threats, including against former President Barack Obama and three Williston residents.
His wife revealed that Stewart is a Marine veteran and ex-firefighter suffering from PTSD and bipolar disorder after traumatic losses. She claims the VA failed to provide adequate care, and authorities ignored pleas for help until it was too late.
Hearings are pending in federal court.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.