Video: Charlie Kirk assassin suspect hides face in latest court appearance

Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old suspect believed to be responsible for the recent assassination of conservative activist and Turning Point USA Founder Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University, attended another court appearance on Monday over a remote feed without appearing on video.

After the attorneys for the defense and prosecution were introduced at the start of Monday’s court hearing, which lasted just over 10 minutes, Utah Judge Tony Graf asked, “And to the jail, do we have Mr. Robinson present?

In response to the judge’s question, a male voice answered, “Yes, your honor,” 

Fox News reported that prior to the start of Monday’s court hearing, a jail official confirmed that Robinson was virtually present for the hearing but would not be visible during the hearing.

Multiple officials and local attorneys told Fox News that while it is unusual for a defendant to appear remotely without a video feed, Monday’s court hearing was not the first time it has occurred.

According to Fox News, the defense requested Monday’s remote accommodation for the 22-year-old suspect over the weekend. While a reason behind Robinson’s physical absence from the court hearing was not immediately provided, the outlet noted that security measures had been significantly increased prior to Monday’s hearing. 

Fox News reported that one of the court’s two entrances was closed on Monday to force anyone coming into the court to pass through a single entrance, police K-9s were conducting patrols, and attendees were prevented from bringing bags into the courthouse.

Sgt. Ray Ormond, a Utah County Sheriff’s Office spokesman, told Fox News that Robinson remains in a special housing unit in jail and that nothing occurred that would have forced the suspect to attend the hearing remotely without a video feed.

“There were some other concerns, partly because it was going to be such a short hearing,” Ormond stated.

During the court hearing, Graf announced that another court hearing will be held on October 30 after Kathy Nester, who is leading Robinson’s defense team, requested that the defense have additional time to examine the “voluminous” evidence and determine whether they want to force the court to hold an evidentiary hearing.

Robinson currently faces charges of felony aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury, two counts of witness tampering, two counts of felony obstruction of justice, and commission of a violent offence in the presence of a child.

Asked if the defense intended to have Robinson attend October’s court hearing in person, Nester told Graf, “Yes, your honor.”