Man Charged with Threatening to Kill Federal Judge in Minnesota
A 72-year-old man, Robert Phillip Ivers, has been charged with threatening to assault and murder a federal judge, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Minneapolis. This is not Ivers’ first conviction for such a crime, as he was previously convicted in 2018 of threatening to kill a U.S. district judge.
Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph Thompson announced the charges, stating that Ivers’ threats are “bone chilling” and that the community will not tolerate such behavior. Thompson emphasized the importance of protecting judges and the community, especially in light of recent acts of violence in Minnesota.
Details of the Charges
The criminal complaint alleges that Ivers was caught printing copies of a manifesto called “How To Kill a Federal Judge” at the Wayzata Public Library and showing them to library staff. The manifesto included a page that discussed killing children and had a picture of a gun on it. Ivers also gave library staff a three-page flyer that advertised his manifesto and stated that it was “designed to teach extremists on how to plan, train, hunt, stalk and kill anyone including judges, their family members, politicians and more!”
Additionally, investigators discovered that Ivers had been reported for “concerning behavior” at an Episcopal church in Minnetonka, where he attended multiple church services and told parishioners he would be attending future church events. Church staff contacted law enforcement after searching Ivers’ name online and discovering his history of threats of violence and racist commentary.
Search and Arrest
During a search of Ivers’ vehicle, authorities found numerous items, including a photo of the former pope with crosshairs centered on his head, 20 copies of his manifesto, and a list of federal judges. Ivers was arrested on September 3, but claimed to be having a heart attack and was taken to the hospital. He was later released from the hospital and rearrested on September 5.
During an interview with detectives, Ivers admitted to showing his manifesto to library staff and stated that it was “supposed to” scare people. The manifesto contained disturbing sketches and handwritten threats to kill judges, their children, and pets.
Law Enforcement Response
Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. of the FBI in Minneapolis stated that the actions of Ivers will not be tolerated and that the FBI is committed to protecting judges and the community. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph Thompson emphasized the importance of taking threats seriously and acting swiftly to protect the community.
Ivers made his first court appearance on Tuesday, and the case is ongoing. For more information, visit Here
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