An elderly individual, taken into custody in the wake of the assassination of Charlie Kirk and then released, attempted to help the alleged shooter escape by posing as the perpetrator, officials report.
Utah County Sheriff Michael Smith said that the suspect told officers that he had "yelled that he was the shooter to allow the true gunman flee".
The prime suspect in the shooting is 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, who reportedly noted Mr Zinn's initial arrest after the attack, telling his roommate via message that the police "detained some unstable senior."
Mr Zinn is remaining in custody on interfering with law enforcement charges. Additionally, he has also been charged with holding illicit imagery.
Details on the Incident
George Zinn was one of two people that authorities questioned for investigation after conservative commentator Charlie Kirk was killed at Utah Valley University on the tenth of September.
Police eventually found that the detained individuals were not involved in the attack.
Mr Zinn "intentionally yelled he was the shooter and by doing so, hindered authorities from pursuing the real gunman", the sheriff stated in a release.
Legal filings provided by campus police allege that Mr Zinn began yelling: "I am the shooter - now shoot me."
When questioned by police where the firearm employed during the shooting was situated, he is said to have replied: "That information remains with me", per the documents.
The sheriff emphasized that there was at this time no proof Mr Zinn colluded with the gunman.
Other Allegations
The law enforcement official added that Mr Zinn is additionally detained for the abuse involving a child, and that authorities located more than 20 images of children "showing inappropriate exposure and exploitative postures."
On Monday, a magistrate decided that Mr Zinn be held without bail, 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 forums in the region. "He often attended at speeches with the purpose of disturbing the event or question a high-profile speaker", reports 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
Tyler Robinson, the main accused in the homicide was indicted on seven counts including first-degree homicide, on Tuesday.
Charlie Kirk was a well-known right-wing figures and public voices in the US.
Famous for his outspoken views on identity, ethnicity, and Second Amendment advocacy, Kirk was a polarising figure and a close ally of former President Donald Trump.
He was shot while leading a gathering at Utah Valley University, in what authorities have described a targeted attack. Former President Trump referred to Mr Kirk "a patriot" and said his killing marked a "sorrowful period for America".
