An elderly individual, taken into custody following the assassination of Charlie Kirk and then released, attempted to help the suspected gunman escape by making a false admission, law enforcement confirm.
Local sheriff Michael Smith stated that the suspect confessed to authorities that he had "exclaimed that he was the shooter to help the true gunman escape".
The prime suspect in the shooting is Tyler Robinson, aged 22, who seemed to recognize Mr Zinn's first apprehension after the shooting, telling his roommate over text that the police "grabbed some crazy old dude."
Mr Zinn is remaining in custody on obstruction of justice charges. Separately, he has also been charged with possession of child sex abuse material.
Further Information on the Investigation
George Zinn was among several individuals that authorities questioned for interrogation after political activist Charlie Kirk was fatally shot at Utah Valley University on September 10.
Police eventually found that the detained individuals were not involved in the attack.
Mr Zinn "intentionally yelled he was the shooter and by doing so, obstructed Law Enforcement from concentrating on the true perpetrator", the sheriff stated in a statement.
Official records provided by campus police state that Mr Zinn began shouting: "I am the shooter - now shoot me."
When interrogated by authorities where the weapon involved in the shooting was situated, he is said to have replied: "I won’t disclose that", per the documents.
The sheriff said that there was currently no evidence Mr Zinn worked alongside the gunman.
Additional Charges
Sheriff Smith further stated that Mr Zinn is additionally detained for the sexual exploitation of a minor, and that authorities located more than 20 images of children "partially or fully unclothed and suggestive positioning."
On Monday, a magistrate decided that Mr Zinn be held without bail, calling him a "serious threat" to the community.
It was uncertain from official files if he retained counsel.
History of the Suspect
Mr Zinn is familiar among planners of gatherings in the region. "He often attended at speeches with the aim of interrupting the event or target a well-known individual", reports indicate.
He is known for a long history of petty violations, including an previous apprehension for dispatching an intimidating message to the organizers of the Salt Lake City Marathon just days after the Boston Marathon bombing.
Charges Filed
Robinson, the main accused in the shooting was formally accused on seven counts including premeditated killing, on Tuesday.
Charlie Kirk was one of the highest profile right-wing figures and media personalities in the US.
Recognized for his strong statements on gender, race, and gun rights, Kirk was a controversial individual and a strong supporter of ex-President Trump.
He was targeted while speaking publicly at Utah Valley University, in what officials labeled a targeted attack. The ex-president referred to Mr Kirk "a patriot" and said his killing marked a "dark moment for America".
