A 71-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of obstructing justice after allegedly falsely confessing to the murder of Turning Point USA executive director Charlie Kirk. George Zinn was taken into custody on Monday after being released from hospital, where he was treated for a medical condition following the shooting at Utah Valley University (UVU) on 10 September.
According to court documents, Zinn began shouting “I shot him – now shoot me” immediately after the killing. Video of his detention circulated online, leading some to believe the suspect had been caught. However, police allege Zinn later admitted he was not the shooter and had acted to divert attention from the real killer, hoping to become “a martyr” for Kirk.
Zinn was also booked in connection with images of child abuse found on his mobile phone. Investigators said a search revealed more than 20 images of child sexual abuse, involving minors aged between five and 12, as well as messages sharing the material. Zinn was reluctant to let officers examine the phone, claiming he used it to view such content.
Authorities have since arrested 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, of Washington County, Utah, who is believed to be the actual killer. Robinson has been charged with capital murder, and prosecutors intend to seek the death penalty. In messages sent after the killing, Robinson allegedly referred to Zinn being detained, saying police had “grabbed some crazy old dude”.
Zinn has a history of criminal charges in Utah, including a 2013 arrest for allegedly offering to plant bombs at the Salt Lake City marathon, shortly after the Boston marathon bombing. A judge has ordered Zinn to be held without bail.
