An elderly individual, arrested following the killing of Charlie Kirk and later freed, attempted to help the suspected gunman flee by faking a confession, authorities confirm.
Utah County Sheriff Michael Smith stated that the individual confessed to authorities that he had "shouted that he was the shooter to allow the actual suspect get away".
The main individual in the assassination is the young suspect Tyler Robinson, who seemed to recognize Mr Zinn's first apprehension after the shooting, informing a companion through a text that the police "grabbed some crazy old dude."
Mr Zinn is facing charges on interfering with law enforcement charges. Separately, he has additionally faced accusations with possession of child sex abuse material.
Details on the Case
George Zinn was part of a pair that authorities questioned for interrogation after media personality Charlie Kirk was killed at Utah Valley University on 10 September.
Police subsequently concluded that the persons of interest were were uninvolved in the attack.
Mr Zinn "intentionally yelled he was the shooter and by doing so, obstructed Law Enforcement from pursuing the real gunman", the sheriff announced in a release.
Legal filings filed by campus police state that Mr Zinn began shouting: "I fired the weapon - now shoot me."
When questioned by police where the gun employed during the shooting was located, he allegedly responded: "I am not going to tell you", according to the documents.
The sheriff said that there was currently no evidence Mr Zinn colluded with the gunman.
Further Accusations
Michael Smith noted that Mr Zinn is also being held for the sexual exploitation of a minor, and that authorities located over twenty pictures of children "showing inappropriate exposure and exploitative postures."
On Monday, a court ruled that Mr Zinn be held refused bond, calling him a "serious threat" to the community.
It was unconfirmed from legal documents if he retained counsel.
Background of the Suspect
Mr Zinn is familiar among planners of public events in Salt Lake City. "He was a regular presence at speeches with the purpose of disturbing the event or question a high-profile speaker", accounts indicate.
He additionally possesses a long history of minor crimes, including an detention years ago 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 prime suspect in the homicide was charged on multiple charges including first-degree homicide, on Tuesday.
Charlie Kirk was one of the highest profile right-wing figures and public voices in the US.
Known for his outspoken views on identity, cultural topics, and Second Amendment advocacy, Kirk was a divisive personality and a key associate of Donald Trump.
He was shot while speaking publicly at Utah Valley University, in what law enforcement called a premeditated assault. Former President Trump referred to Mr Kirk "a loyal American" and said his killing marked a "sorrowful period for America".
