Authorities in Utah have revealed that 71-year-old George Zinn pretended to be the assassin of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk to help the real gunman flee. Kirk was shot dead during an event at Utah Valley University on September 10.
Police arrested Zinn moments after the shooting, but later identified 22-year-old Tyler Robinson as the actual suspect. Robinson was detained hours later and now faces seven charges, including aggravated murder. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty against him.
What Did Zinn Confess?
According to court documents, Zinn admitted to officers that he lied to shield the shooter. He shouted, “I shot him – now shoot me”, shortly after Kirk was attacked. When police asked about the weapon, Zinn refused to answer, saying, “I am not going to tell you.”
Utah County Sheriff Michael Smith said, “Mr Zinn intentionally yelled he was the shooter and by doing so, obstructed law enforcement from focusing on the actual shooter.”
Robinson, meanwhile, texted his roommate after the incident and said police had arrested “some crazy old dude.”
Charges Against Zinn
While Zinn was cleared of involvement in Kirk’s murder, police charged him with obstruction of justice. A judge denied him bail, calling him a “substantial danger” to society.
Investigators also discovered child sexual abuse material on Zinn’s devices while he was in custody. He now faces additional charges of sexual exploitation of a minor after police recovered more than 20 images of children “in various stages of undress and sexual posing.”
Zinn’s Troubled Past
Reports describe Zinn as a familiar face at public events in Salt Lake City, where he often disrupted forums or challenged prominent speakers.
He also has a history of criminal behavior. In 2013, police arrested him for sending threats to the hosts of the Salt Lake City Marathon. The incident took place just days after the Boston Marathon bombing.
The Road Ahead
Police said there is no evidence that Zinn worked with Robinson. However, prosecutors are pressing serious charges against both men. Robinson remains the prime suspect in the assassination of Charlie Kirk and could face the death penalty if convicted.
