MINNEAPOLIS – Robert Phillip Ivers, the 72-year-old who once threatened to take a federal judge’s life, now finds himself facing new charges for plotting his assassination. According to the Department of Justice USAO in Minnesota, Ivers is accused of spreading terror with threats aimed at a federal judge.
Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson called out the gravity of the situation, stating, “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.” Thompson emphasized that Ivers’s threats are being taken seriously.
The complaint details an incident at the Wayzata Library in Wayzata, Minnesota, where Ivers printed a disturbing manifesto titled, “How to Kill a Federal Judge”. The document included graphic content and instructions on targeting judges, their families, and public figures. Ivers handed out flyers promoting his manifesto before leaving the library.
Further investigation led law enforcement to uncover that Ivers had reported concerning behavior at an Episcopal church in Minnetonka, Minnesota, where he discussed attending events and his intention to seek revenge against the judicial system. Church staff immediately contacted law enforcement following their discovery of Ivers’s violent history.
Ivers was first located by the Wayzata Police Department on September 3, 2025. He claimed a heart attack during transport and was briefly hospitalized before being released that night. During a search of his vehicle, police found materials indicating his intent to carry out his threats, including a photo targeting a former Pope, lists of federal judges, and a toy replica firearm.
On September 5, Ivers was re-arrested. During an interview, he admitted showing his manifesto to library staff, exclaiming, “It was supposed to!” His lengthy manifesto, totaling 236 pages, includes detailed plans for assassination and threats against judges, their children, and pets, with the explicit aim of instilling fear.
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Key Facts
- State: Minnesota
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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