Library Tip, Church Concerns Lead To Arrest Of Minnesota Man With Judge-Killing Book: Feds

MINNEAPOLIS — A Minnesota man previously convicted of threatening a federal judge is once again facing charges after authorities say he wrote and distributed a 236-page manifesto titled "How to Kill a Federal Judge."

Robert Phillip Ivers, 72, was arrested earlier this month after staff at the Wayzata Library reported he was printing and handing out flyers promoting the manifesto.

Investigators say the document included handwritten threats to kill judges, their children, and their pets, disturbing sketches, and instructions on how to "plan, train, hunt, stalk and kill anyone."

One page showed a gun alongside language about killing children.

Police say Ivers gave staff a flyer describing the book as a guide for extremists and warning that "the harsh reality is that judges are going to die."

When police searched his vehicle, they found:

• 20 printed copies of the manifesto
• Names of federal judges
• A photo of the late Pope Francis with crosshairs over his head
• A toy replica firearm with pellets and CO2 cartridges
• fireworks
• A copy of the Anarchist Cookbook

Ivers had also been spotted at a Minnetonka Episcopal church in late August, attending multiple services and telling members he planned to come back for upcoming events, including a children’s blessing and a baptism service.

Church staff grew alarmed after researching his criminal history and tipped off law enforcement.

After his Sept. 3 arrest, Ivers admitted showing his manifesto to library staff. When asked if he thought it scared people, he shouted: "It was supposed to!"

Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson called the threats "bone-chilling," saying, "The last thing we need is someone spreading fear into our churches, libraries, and courts."

Ivers, who was convicted in 2019 of threatening to kill a federal judge, will appear in federal court, where prosecutors are seeking to keep him in custody.