Robert Phillip Ivers, 72, has been charged by complaint with threatening to assault and murder a federal judge, according to an announcement from Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson. Ivers has a prior federal conviction for threatening to kill a federal judge.
“At a time when Minnesota is reeling from acts of violence, the last thing we need is someone spreading fear into our churches, libraries, and courts,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson. “Ivers’s threats are bone chilling. After the past few months, we are not taking chances. When someone threatens our community, we believe them, and we will act swiftly to protect Minnesotans.”
The complaint states that on September 3, 2025, law enforcement responded to the Wayzata Library in Wayzata, Minnesota after receiving reports of a man printing copies of a manifesto titled “How to Kill a Federal Judge.” The man was identified as Robert Ivers. Authorities learned that Ivers showed library staff pages from his manifesto which included references to killing children and featured an image of a gun. He also distributed flyers advertising his manifesto before leaving the library; these flyers claimed the document was intended “to teach extremists on how to plan, train, hunt, stalk and kill anyone including judges, their family members, politicians and more!” It further stated that “the harsh reality is that judges are going to die.”
During their investigation, law enforcement discovered that on August 28, 2025 Ivers had exhibited concerning behavior at an Episcopal church in Minnetonka by attending multiple services and informing church members he planned to attend upcoming events involving families and state legislators. Church staff conducted online research into Ivers’s background and found evidence of previous threats of violence as well as racist commentary; they then contacted authorities.
Later on September 3rd, Wayzata Police located and arrested Ivers. During transport he claimed medical distress but was released from hospital later that night.
A search of Ivers’s vehicle revealed several items: a photo of the former Pope with crosshairs centered on his head; twenty copies of his spiral-bound book titled “How to Kill a Federal Judge”; multiple flyers promoting its contents; lists containing names of federal judges; a copy of the Anarchist Cookbook; toy replica firearm materials; Co2 cartridges; pellets; and fireworks.
On September 5th police re-arrested Ivers who admitted during questioning that he had shown his manifesto at the library. When asked if he thought it would scare people he replied: “It was supposed to!”
The manifesto itself spans 236 pages under the title “How to Kill a Federal Judge” with cover art depicting an armed man. Within its contents Ivers details perceived injustices by the judicial system alongside threats directed toward judges—including specific individuals—and their families or pets.
Ivers has previously been convicted for similar conduct: in United States v. Robert Ivers (18 CR 90), he was found guilty in 2019 for threatening another federal judge in Minnesota.
“Threats of violence directed at federal judges not only undermine the integrity of our legal system but also pose a grave risk to the principles of justice and democracy,” said Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr., FBI Minneapolis Division. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners consider all threats of violence against judges or any public servants with grave seriousness. These actions will not be tolerated. As this chilling case confirms, we are fully committed to protecting judges who devote themselves to our communities and legal system.”
Ivers is scheduled for an initial appearance in federal court this afternoon where prosecutors will seek pretrial detention.
This case resulted from collaboration among FBI Minneapolis Division, Wayzata Police Department, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension—with assistance from United States Marshals Service—and support from Hennepin County Attorney’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Melinda A. Williams is prosecuting this matter.
A criminal complaint represents only allegations until proven otherwise in court.
