Authorities in Utah say 71-year-old George Zinn deliberately misled police by falsely claiming he was responsible for the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University on September 10 in the immediate aftermath of the tragedy. Utah County Sheriff Michael Smith said Zinn admitted that he “yelled that he was the shooter to allow the actual suspect to flee.”
According to court filings, Zinn reportedly shouted, “I shot him—now shoot me,” and refused to reveal the location of the weapon used in the attack. Sheriff Smith said Zinn’s actions diverted investigators away from focusing on the true gunman.
Download the SAN app today to stay up-to-date with Unbiased. Straight Facts™.
Point phone camera here
Additional charges
In addition to obstruction, Zinn is being held on charges related to possession of child sexual abuse material. Investigators say more than 20 illicit images involving minors were discovered in his possession. A judge has ordered Zinn to remain in custody without bail, describing him as a “substantial danger” to the community.
In the immediate moments following the shooting, Zinn became the subject of a viral video on X, showing him being arrested by police. Social media users widely shared the footage, believing authorities had apprehended the shooter. The video captured Zinn’s false confession, highlighting how his lie briefly misled both law enforcement and the public.
‘Some crazy old dude’
Police have identified 22-year-old Tyler Robinson as the main suspect in Kirk’s assassination. Robinson is facing seven charges, including aggravated murder. Text messages suggest Robinson was aware that Zinn had been arrested by police, referring to him as “some crazy old dude.”
So far, authorities have found no evidence that Zinn and Robinson coordinated the incident.
Zinn is known locally for attending public events in Salt Lake City with the apparent intent to disrupt proceedings or challenge speakers, according to The New York Times. He also has a record of minor offenses, including a 2013 arrest for sending a threatening email to local marathon organizers shortly after the Boston Marathon bombing.
