Utah authorities have formally charged Tyler Robinson, 22, with aggravated murder following the fatal shooting of prominent conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. The charges, as outlined in a recent affidavit, include aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury, and obstruction of justice. This development comes after Robinson's arrest early Friday, spurred by a tip from a family friend.

Governor Spencer Cox revealed that Robinson was caught on CCTV at Utah Valley University on the day of the assassination. The investigation also found bullets at the scene engraved with the phrase “hey fascist, catch” and lyrics from the anti-fascist Italian song “Bella Ciao,” suggesting a politically motivated crime.

Governor Cox described the killing as a "political assassination" and an "attack on the American experiment," emphasizing the irony of Kirk being killed in the act of exercising his freedom of expression—a right he fervently advocated.

According to the affidavit, Robinson was positioned prone on a campus rooftop when he fired the shots that killed Kirk and was seen climbing off the roof shortly after. Prior to the shooting, Robinson had expressed his aversion to Kirk to a family member, highlighting a potential premeditation of the crime.

The severity of Robinson’s actions, including the risk they posed to others beyond Kirk, has led authorities to invoke Utah's aggravated murder statute. This charge could potentially lead to the death penalty, a point underscored by President Donald Trump in a recent interview where he called for Robinson’s execution.

Notably, there have been previous arrests related to Kirk's assassination, with suspects being taken into custody and then released, adding complexity to the ongoing investigation.

This case has attracted national attention and stirred significant debate about the intersection of free speech and political violence. As the legal process unfolds, all eyes will be on Utah to see how justice will be served in this high-profile case.