Man spewed death threats about Obama, barricaded himself inside historic site: Feds

A 36-year‑old North Dakota man, Ian Patrick Stewart of Williston, stands accused in a chilling federal indictment that spans multiple alarming incidents.

Incident Summary

• Threats against Barack Obama: Between April 20 and May 13, Stewart allegedly “did knowingly and willfully threaten to kill and inflict bodily harm upon” former President Barack Obama.

• Threats against locals: In May, he is also accused of threatening to injure three Williston residents via interstate communications.

• Break‑in at historic site: On May 13, Stewart forced his way into the closed Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site (on the ND–MT border), reportedly armed himself, triggered evacuations, and issued threats to a National Park Service employee and local law enforcement.

• Authorities responded to a “barricaded subject situation,” shutting down the site and road access before taking Stewart into custody.

Charges

Stewart faces a sweeping federal grand jury indictment, including:

• Threatening to kill a former president

• Burglary

• Terrorizing

• Malicious mischief

• Damage to U.S. property

• Three counts of interstate communications threats.

Location Details

Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site, located along the Missouri River on the North Dakota–Montana border, marks a 19th‑century fur‑trade hub under the National Park Service .

Legal Status

Stewart is currently detained at the Ward County Detention Center in Minot. His initial court appearance is scheduled for Monday, June 9, 2025. No legal representation has yet been recorded.

This alarming case intertwines high-profile death threats with a real-world intrusion into protected cultural heritage. Authorities are proceeding with significant federal charges, highlighting both the severity of the threats and the breach of a historic landmark.