Which of the following is an element of aggravated assault?

Aggravated assault is characterized by specific elements that elevate a simple assault to a more serious offense. One of the key elements is the involvement of a deadly weapon. This aspect of the crime signifies the potential for increased harm or lethality, emphasizing the seriousness of the act and the threat posed to the victim.

When an assault entails the use or threatened use of a deadly weapon, it indicates a higher level of intent to inflict significant bodily harm, distinguishing it from simple assault, which does not involve such weapons. The presence of a deadly weapon not only increases the severity of the offense but also reflects a greater degree of recklessness or malice on the part of the assailant.

Regarding the other options, intent to harm the victim is crucial in establishing any form of assault; if there were no intent, it would not meet the requirements of assault. Similarly, the victim's awareness of the threat is not a defining factor in determining aggravated assault, and the relationship between the assailant and victim, while it may provide context, is not a necessary element in establishing the aggravated nature of the assault when a deadly weapon is involved.