Charlie Kirk alleged killer refuses to show face in court

It is understood the 22-year-old's face was not shown in court at the request of his legal team.

The reason for the request was not made public.

Robinson was named as Mr Kirk's alleged assassin after the Republican influencer was shot in the neck during a live campus event at Utah Valley University.

It has prompted calls from right-wing figures, including US President Donald Trump, for Robinson to be executed, if convicted of the crime.

The death has also seen calls for a crackdown on "radical left" violence.

"I hope he's going to be found guilty, and I hope he gets the death penalty," Mr Trump said on Fox & Friends earlier this month.

"What he did - Charlie Kirk was the finest person and he didn't deserve this."

Robinson's mother told the FBI her son had become "more pro gay and trans oriented", police have said.

The 22-year-old had also started dating his transgender roommate.

Robinson's court appearance on Monday was more of a procedural matter.

Security at the court was stepped up due to it being a high-profile case.

Mr Kirk's murder has been regarded as the most impactful political killing since John F Kennedy was assassinated in 1963.

The 22-year-old alleged murderer has yet to appear in person at court since being charged.

He appeared via videolink earlier this month, wearing an anti-suicide vest and only spoke when confirming his name.

"The defence requested late Friday to have Mr Robinson appear virtually, without video and their request was granted," a Utah State Court spokesman told The Telegraph.

Members of the public were not allowed to take bags into the court due to security.

"This was the first in-person court hearing in this case," the spokeswoman said.

"And due to the high-profile nature, the security team is taking additional measures of not allowing bags in the courtroom for safety reasons.

"This will be standard for all in-person hearings in this case."

Robinson is set to appear in person at the next court hearing on October 30 after Utah Judge, presiding over the case, requested he "fully engage with his attorneys and participate in these proceedings".

Judge Graf ended the hearing by saying Robinson was presumed innocent until proven guilty and vowed that his "constitutional rights will be protected at every stage".

Former federal public defender, Kathryn Nester, appeared for Robinson for the first time and requested an adjournment of at least 30 days to look over the "massive amounts" of digital evidence prosecutors are assembling.