During Monday’s Supreme Court session, the court’s eldest and longest-serving justice, Clarence Thomas, raised alarms after he was notably absent.
Chief Justice John Roberts announced his colleague would be absent, but offered no explanation as to why he wasn’t attending the day’s sessions in person.
Instead, Roberts said that Thomas would participate in the day’s cases by using briefs and transcripts of arguments presented before the high court.
The Associated Press noted that Thomas did not participate remotely in arguments, like some justices do when they are ill or unable to attend in person.
The court heard arguments from a case concerning a federal anti-bribery statute and another concerning the Fourth Amendment.
The New York Post reported that Thomas was absent around two years ago after he was hospitalized with an infection. However, during his hospital stay he still took part in cases.
Thomas has served on the court since Oct. 23, 1991, and throughout his tenure he has been the head of several scandals and criticisms from Democrats.
Among the concerns raised include allegations that he failed to properly disclose luxury trips with influential Republican donors. He was also criticized after his wife, Ginni Thomas, appeared to support overturning the 2020 election.
It remains to be seen whether Thomas will appear in other sessions this week, as arguments are scheduled to continue through Wednesday.