On March 20, 1885, Ahtahkakoop was met with a messenger from Fort Carlton at his door. He was informed by this messenger that the Métis had stolen arms and ammunition from storage, and had taken men as prisoners. Ahtahkakoop quickly got ready, picked up Mistawasis, and started his journey towards the fort. Upon their arrival at Fort Carlton the chiefs were met by many men, many of whom were from Prince Albert, that had shown up to help defend the fort. They were told that Louis Riel had gained power by creating his own provisional government, had organised a rebellion, and that he and Gabriel Dumont were demanding that the fort be turned over to them. Riel claimed that his actions were justified, as he believed that the government had failed to help the Métis in times of need.