Utah County, UT – A 71-year-old Utah man who caused significant confusion after the attempted assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk has been charged with child pornography and obstruction of justice following his arrest. George Zinn falsely claimed responsibility for the shooting and distracted authorities, delaying the investigation into the real perpetrator.
In the chaotic moments after the shooting at Utah Valley University, Zinn shouted to officers, “I shot him, now shoot me,” leading law enforcement down the wrong path. Yet, a subsequent search and investigation unveiled far more serious charges against Zinn, stemming from illicit material found on his phone.
The Confusing Arrest and False Claim
The situation escalated quickly on campus last week after gunshots rang out, as Zinn approached law enforcement and claimed to be the shooter.
According to a probable cause affidavit obtained by Fox News, Zinn repeatedly shouted to officers that he had shot Kirk, despite no weapon being found on his person or nearby. He refused to disclose any weapon’s location when questioned, raising suspicion.
- Zinn was seen being handcuffed and led away after insisting he was the shooter.
- Officers found no weapon on Zinn or hidden on his body after a thorough search.
- He continued to urge officers to shoot him, causing confusion and diverting critical police resources.
Videos of Zinn’s arrest circulated widely online, mistakenly reported as the apprehension of Kirk’s actual shooter. However, once at the police station, Zinn retracted his claim, requested an attorney, and explained his false admission was an attempt “to draw attention from the real shooter.”
“He wanted to be a martyr for the person who was shot,” police confirmed after Zinn was hospitalized for medical evaluation.
Consequences of Zinn’s Deception
Authorities emphasized that Zinn’s disruptive behavior delayed the critical investigation into Kirk’s shooting, wasting valuable time and resources. It was nearly 33 hours after the incident before law enforcement could arrest 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, the individual charged in connection with the shooting.
During the investigation, police searched Zinn’s phone and uncovered images consistent with child sexual abuse material, leading to significant additional charges.
- Zinn was charged with four counts of sexual exploitation of a minor.
- He also faces one count of obstruction of justice for his misleading claims.
- Zinn is currently held at Utah County Jail pending further legal proceedings.
Expert and Law Enforcement Perspectives
The Utah County Sheriff’s Office highlighted the challenges law enforcement faced due to Zinn’s actions, underscoring the impact of false claims during active investigations. Legal experts note such hindrances can jeopardize public safety and slow down justice.
For more comprehensive details, the original report by Fox News provides additional context on this developing story.
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Next Steps and Legal Proceedings
Zinn’s case is ongoing, with legal representation currently unclear. Meanwhile, Tyler Robinson is scheduled to appear in court soon to answer charges related to Kirk’s shooting.
Authorities continue to investigate the incident, stressing the importance of accurate information and cooperation from the public to aid in swift justice.
Key Facts to Remember:
- George Zinn falsely claimed responsibility for Charlie Kirk’s shooting.
- The false claim delayed police investigation by over a day.
- Zinn faces serious child pornography and obstruction charges.
- The actual suspect, Tyler Robinson, was arrested nearly 33 hours later.
What do you think about this case and the impacts of false claims in critical investigations? Share your thoughts and experiences concerning public safety and law enforcement in the comments below!