Following the fatal shooting of political activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University, a 71-year-old local activist named George Zinn falsely claimed responsibility for the attack. According to police reports, Zinn approached officers immediately after the shooting, declaring, “I shot him, now shoot me.” Officers arrested him on the spot, though he was unarmed and not involved in the actual crime.
During questioning, Zinn admitted he did not shoot Kirk but said he made the claim to “draw attention away from the real shooter.” Court documents also reveal that he wanted to be a “martyr” for Kirk. Zinn’s actions disrupted the early stages of the investigation and diverted police resources during a critical time. He has been charged with obstruction of justice, a second-degree felony.
Zinn is known locally as a persistent political presence, often attending public events and sometimes being removed for disruptive behavior. Prosecutors describe him as eccentric but generally not dangerous. In 2013, he served jail time for threats related to a major public event, but officials say there’s no current evidence connecting him to Tyler Robinson, the actual suspect in Kirk’s death.
He is charged with obstruction of justice, which is a second-degree felony.
Tyler Robinson, 22, was arrested after a 33-hour manhunt. Authorities confirmed that his father recognized him in surveillance footage and convinced him to turn himself in. Robinson reportedly considered self-harm before surrendering and was persuaded to seek help through a family acquaintance.
While Robinson has refused to cooperate with investigators, people close to him—including his family and romantic partner—have been assisting authorities. Utah’s governor stated that those who know Robinson believe he had been heavily influenced by extremist online ideologies.
FBI officials said digital evidence, including private messages and DNA found on items at the crime scene, link Robinson to the attack. The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities continuing to build their case.
