An elderly individual, arrested shortly after the killing of Charlie Kirk and subsequently let go, attempted to help the prime suspect escape by making a false admission, authorities report.
Local sheriff Michael Smith revealed that the suspect told officers that he had "yelled that he was the shooter to help the actual suspect escape".
The key person in the assassination is Tyler Robinson, aged 22, who appeared to acknowledge Mr Zinn's early detention after the attack, texting his housemate via message that the police "arrested some crazy old dude."
Mr Zinn is being held on interfering with law enforcement charges. In a separate matter, he has been indicted with possession of child sex abuse material.
Further Information on the Incident
George Zinn was part of a pair that police had detained for interrogation after conservative commentator Charlie Kirk was assassinated at Utah Valley University on September 10.
Police eventually found that the two suspects were had no role in the attack.
Mr Zinn "intentionally yelled he was the shooter and by doing so, impeded the police from focusing on the actual shooter", the sheriff announced in a release.
Court documents provided by campus police claim that Mr Zinn began yelling: "I fired the weapon - now shoot me."
When asked by an officer where the weapon employed during the shooting was located, he allegedly responded: "I won’t disclose that", per the documents.
The sheriff clarified that there was so far no indication Mr Zinn worked alongside the gunman.
Further Accusations
Sheriff Smith noted that Mr Zinn is also being held for the abuse involving a child, and that agents found numerous photographs of children "showing inappropriate exposure and exploitative postures."
On earlier this week, a court ruled that Mr Zinn be held denied release, describing him as a "serious threat" to the community.
It was unconfirmed from official files if he was represented legally.
Background of the Accused
Mr Zinn is recognized among coordinators of forums in Salt Lake City. "He was a regular presence at events with the intention to disrupt the event or challenge a prominent figure", reports indicate.
He is known for a extensive record of petty violations, including an arrest in 2013 for sending a threatening email to the organizers of the Salt Lake City Marathon in the wake of the Boston Marathon bombing.
Legal Proceedings
The prime suspect, the main accused in the shooting was indicted on several offenses including first-degree homicide, on this week.
Charlie Kirk was one of the highest profile conservative activists and influencers in the US.
Famous for his strong statements on identity, race, and Second Amendment advocacy, Kirk was a controversial individual and a strong supporter of ex-President Trump.
He was attacked while hosting an event at Utah Valley University, in what law enforcement called a intentional homicide. Donald Trump called Mr Kirk "a loyal American" and said his killing marked a "dark moment for America".
