George Zinn, 71, was the first person arrested at the scene of Charlie Kirk’s assassination.
Police later determined he was not involved in the actual shooting but obstructed the investigation.
False Confession
Moments after Kirk was shot at Utah Valley University, Zinn approached officers.
He shouted, “I shot him, now shoot me,” drawing immediate attention.
Detective Michael Dutson confirmed Zinn had no weapon in his hands.
When asked about a firearm, Zinn refused to give an answer.
He continued claiming responsibility as police placed him in custody.
Zinn later admitted he lied to distract authorities from the real shooter.
According to the affidavit, he wanted the actual suspect to escape.
He also said he hoped to be a “martyr” for Kirk’s killer.
Obstruction Arrest
Zinn was transported to the Utah Valley University police office.
George Zinn
There, he asked for an attorney and retracted his confession.
He was later hospitalized for a medical condition during custody.
After his release from the hospital, he was booked into jail.
He now faces a second-degree felony count of obstruction of justice.
Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill noted Zinn’s history of arrests.
Gill said Zinn often appeared at political events as a disruptive presence.
He previously pleaded guilty to making a terroristic threat in 2013.
Discovery of Exploitation Material
While in the hospital, Zinn spoke to FBI and state investigators.
He admitted that he viewed child sexual abuse material on his phone.
Agents obtained a search warrant and examined the device.
Detectives uncovered more than 20 explicit images of children.
The victims in the photos ranged from 5 to 12 years old.
Graphic text threads showed Zinn sharing the images with others.
He confessed that he derived sexual gratification from the material.
Additional Charges
The Utah County Sheriff’s Office announced four new charges.
George Zinn
Zinn is now facing sexual exploitation of a minor alongside obstruction.
He remains behind bars in the Utah County Jail.
Officials emphasized there is no evidence he worked with Tyler Robinson.
Robinson, 22, has been charged with Kirk’s murder and related crimes.
Ongoing Case
Zinn remains in custody at the Utah County Jail.
Prosecutors say Zinn’s actions created chaos at the shooting scene.
Authorities are continuing to review his electronic communications.
Investigators described his behavior as dangerous and reckless.
The case against Zinn now moves forward in Utah courts.
