Tyler Robinson has been charged with aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury and obstruction of justice, among other counts, in the alleged killing of Charlie Kirk.

Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray announced the aggravating charges during Robinson’s first virtual court appearance before a judge in the Utah Fourth District Court on Tuesday. Gray highlighted Robinson’s alleged threat to attendees — including children — at Kirk’s speaking event at Utah Valley College. The state has filed to seek the death penalty.

“This was not simply an attack on one individual — it was an assault on the very principles of free speech and public discourse,” Gray said.

Robinson, held without bail in the Utah County Jail in Spanish Fork, recently held a press conference where he read from a 10-page indictment and periodically answered questions. Investigators say Robinson’s motives remain unclear, though political beliefs and conflicting family ideologies appear to have been significant.

“I do not take this decision lightly and it is a decision I have made independently as county attorney based solely on the available evidence and the circumstances and nature of the crime,” Gray said.

Authorities found several targets, bullet holes and an engraved bullet in Robinson’s home. Messages between Robinson and his roommate, DNA evidence and university surveillance footage are being examined. Robinson’s parents identified him as the shooter in the footage.

As the investigation expands, state leaders have weighed in. Governor Spencer Cox commended investigators for their work but said the suspect remains uncooperative.

“He has not confessed to authorities,” Cox said. “He is not cooperating, but all the people around him are cooperating.”

Attorney Greg Skordas is currently seeking law firms to represent Robinson.

Judge Tony Graf granted Erika Kirk, the widow of Charlie Kirk, a pretrial protective order against Robinson. Miami-based attorney Jeffery Neiman filed the request on her behalf that she be a designated representative in her late husband’s case.

The FBI is investigating over 7,000 leads. FBI Director Kash Patel told the House Judiciary Committee that the FBI is working with Discord, a messaging and voice-chat platform, although Discord said it found no evidence Robinson planned the shooting or promoted violence.