Robert Phillip Ivers, 72, has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of threatening to assault and murder a federal judge, a Supreme Court Justice, and transmitting threats to injure others, including a defense attorney. The indictment was announced by Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson in Minneapolis. Ivers has previously been convicted in federal court for threatening to kill a federal judge.
“Threats to murder a federal judge, a Supreme Court Justice, and a defense attorney are not just words on a page. They are direct attacks on the rule of law,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson. “We will not allow violent rhetoric to become routine. When someone threatens our judges, we will answer with swift federal prosecution.”
According to the criminal complaint, law enforcement responded on September 3, 2025, to the Wayzata Library in Wayzata, Minnesota after reports that Ivers was printing copies of a manifesto titled “How to Kill a Federal Judge.” He reportedly showed library staff parts of the manifesto containing references to killing children and an image of a gun. Before leaving the library, he distributed flyers promoting his manifesto which stated it was intended “to teach extremists on how to plan, train, hunt, stalk and kill anyone including judges, their family members, politicians and more!” The flyer also claimed that “the harsh reality is that judges are going to die.”
Investigators found that Ivers had also drawn attention at an Episcopal church in Minnetonka days earlier due to concerning behavior and statements about attending upcoming church events where children and state legislators would be present. After learning of his past threats of violence and felony conviction through online searches, church staff notified authorities.
Wayzata Police arrested Ivers on September 3 after locating him later that day; during transport he claimed medical distress but was released from hospital care that night. A search of his vehicle uncovered various items including multiple copies of his book “How to Kill a Federal Judge,” flyers advertising its contents, lists of federal judges’ names, the Anarchist Cookbook, toy replica firearm components with CO2 cartridges and pellets, fireworks, and an altered photo depicting crosshairs over the former Pope’s head.
Ivers was re-arrested by police two days later and admitted during questioning that he showed his manifesto at the library; when asked if he thought it would frighten people he replied: “It was supposed to!”
The manifesto spans 236 pages under the title “How to Kill a Federal Judge” with imagery depicting armed individuals. It details grievances against the judicial system alongside threats directed at specific judges—particularly those involved in prior legal proceedings against him—as well as threats toward their families and pets.
Ivers made his initial court appearance this week and remains in custody pending further hearings.
The investigation involved cooperation among several agencies: FBI; Wayzata Police Department; Bureau of Criminal Apprehension; United States Marshals Service; as well as assistance from both the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of North Dakota and Hennepin County Attorney’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Melinda A. Williams is prosecuting this case.
Authorities emphasize that an indictment is only an allegation at this stage; Ivers is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in court.
