Federal Jury Finds Robert Ivers Guilty on All Counts in Threats Against United States Judge and Trial Witness

MINNEAPOLIS - United States Attorney Daniel N. Rosen announced that a federal jury has found Robert Phillip Ivers, 73, of Wayzata, Minnesota, guilty on two counts of mailing threatening communications, and one count of threatening to murder a United States District Judge. The mailings included threats to kill a witness and the judge who presided over the defendant's 2018 federal criminal trial, in which the defendant was found guilty of threatening to murder another federal judge. See United States v. Ivers, Case No. 18-cr-90 (JMM).

The verdict follows a multi-day trial in U.S. District Court from August 4 to 7, 2026, before U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

"Today's outcome reaffirms the strength of our justice system in the face of intimidation. Those who seek to retaliate against witnesses or judges with threats of violence will be held fully accountable," said United States Attorney Daniel N. Rosen.

According to court documents, the defendant mailed a manifesto titled "How to Kill a Federal Judge" to a Minneapolis law firm and the University of St. Thomas. The manifesto contained graphic threats of violence against the witness and judge involved in the defendant's previous criminal trial, federal judges generally, and the victims' children.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Marshals Service, United States Supreme Court Police, United States Secret Service, Wayzata Police Department, and Saint Paul Police Department.

Assistant United States Attorneys Bradley M. Endicott and William C. Mattessich prosecuted the case.

Note: Previous press releases on the charges and indictment here.