A 36-year-old man from North Dakota, Ian Patrick Stewart, faces multiple charges after allegedly issuing death threats against former U.S. President Barack Obama, along with several others, and terrorizing an employee at a National Park Service historic site.
Stewart’s violent actions led to felony charges including burglary, damaging U.S. property, and threatening to kill a former president. His behavior also included a terrifying incident where he allegedly wielded a fire poker and threatened to destroy the Fort Union Trading Post, a historic site in Williston, North Dakota.
The Threats and the Fort Union Incident
Between April 20 and May 13, 2023, Stewart is accused of using email and phone calls to threaten Obama and at least three other individuals from Williston, North Dakota. These threats were made across state lines, violating federal law related to interstate communications.
The most alarming incident occurred when Stewart broke into the Fort Union Trading Post, a National Park Service site. He entered the fort while it was closed to the public, barricading himself inside. According to authorities, Stewart approached a worker at the site, armed with a fire poker, and forced her to leave. He reportedly threatened to burn the fort down and destroy the historical artifacts inside.
The terrified employee immediately contacted the authorities, and law enforcement responded to the scene. Stewart was arrested, but not before making additional threats, including claims of setting the fort on fire. He now faces numerous charges related to his actions, including terrorizing, malicious mischief, and threatening interstate communications.
The Legal Charges and Stewart’s Past History
Stewart has been indicted on multiple felony charges, including:
- Felony burglary
- Damage to U.S. property
- Terrorizing
- Malicious mischief
- Threatening to kill a former U.S. president
- Three counts of threatening interstate communications
In addition to the charges related to his actions in North Dakota, Stewart has a criminal history. Last September, he was charged in Washington state for allegedly assaulting a highway patrol trooper during a traffic stop. Later, in October 2022, he was arrested for allegedly threatening to shoot a superior court judge.
Stewart is scheduled to go on trial in October 2023, and his bond was set at $50,000.
Ian Patrick Stewart’s alarming threats against former President Barack Obama and his violent actions at the Fort Union Trading Post have led to serious federal charges. His actions have put multiple people in danger, from his threats to public figures to his violent outburst at a historic site.
With a troubled criminal history and a pattern of violent behavior, Stewart’s upcoming trial in October will likely be closely watched as authorities seek justice for his actions.
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