A senior suspect, arrested shortly after the shooting of Charlie Kirk and later freed, tried to assist the prime suspect escape by faking a confession, law enforcement state.
Local sheriff Michael Smith said that the individual admitted to police that he had "shouted that he was the shooter to help the actual suspect escape".
The main individual in the assassination is Tyler Robinson, aged 22, who seemed to recognize Mr Zinn's first apprehension after the shooting, informing a companion via message that the police "arrested some eccentric elderly man."
Mr Zinn is remaining in custody on obstruction of justice charges. Separately, he has been indicted with holding illicit imagery.
Details on the Case
George Zinn was one of two people that authorities questioned for questioning after media personality Charlie Kirk was killed at Utah Valley University on 10 September.
Police later determined that the persons of interest were had no role in the shooting.
Mr Zinn "deliberately shouted he was the shooter and by doing so, hindered authorities from concentrating on the real gunman", the sheriff said in a statement.
Legal filings submitted by campus police claim that Mr Zinn began shouting: "I am the shooter - now shoot me."
When questioned by police where the gun involved in the shooting was situated, he reportedly answered: "That information remains with me", as stated in the documents.
The sheriff said that there was so far no indication Mr Zinn conspired with the gunman.
Additional Charges
The law enforcement official added that Mr Zinn is facing custody for the abuse involving a child, and that investigators discovered more than 20 images of children "showing inappropriate exposure and sexual posing."
On earlier this week, a magistrate decided that Mr Zinn be held without bail, labeling him a "substantial danger" to the community.
It was unconfirmed from legal documents if he was represented legally.
Background of the Suspect
Mr Zinn is familiar among coordinators of gatherings in Salt Lake City. "He was a regular presence at speeches with the aim of interrupting the event or challenge a prominent figure", sources indicate.
He additionally possesses a extensive record of minor crimes, including an detention years ago for issuing a menacing communication to the organizers of the Salt Lake City Marathon shortly following the Boston Marathon bombing.
Legal Proceedings
Robinson, the main accused in the killing was charged on seven counts including first-degree homicide, on Tuesday.
Charlie Kirk was among the most prominent political commentators and media personalities in the US.
Known for his bold opinions on identity, cultural topics, and gun rights, Kirk was a controversial individual and a close ally of former President Donald Trump.
He was targeted while hosting an event at Utah Valley University, in what authorities have described a intentional homicide. Former President Trump referred to Mr Kirk "a patriot" and said his killing marked a "sorrowful period for America".
