Docs: Man Who Falsely Claimed He Shot Kirk Said He Wanted to Help the Real Killer
Court filings reveal disturbing new details about a 71-year-old political activist who falsely confessed to shooting conservative leader Charlie Kirk during last week’s deadly attack at Utah Valley University.
George Zinn, a longtime gadfly in Utah politics, admitted to police that he lied about being the shooter in an effort to create a diversion and “draw attention away from the real shooter.”
The False Confession
Witnesses say chaos erupted moments after Kirk was gunned down during his speaking event. As police rushed to secure the scene, Zinn reportedly approached officers and shouted, “I shot him, now shoot me!”
Video footage shows police dragging him away while bystanders hurled insults, believing he was the killer. Officers quickly determined Zinn was unarmed.
During questioning, Zinn admitted he had not killed Kirk but insisted his actions were intentional. According to court documents reviewed by Fox 13 Utah, Zinn said he “wanted to be a martyr for the person who was shot” and hoped his confession would shield the real shooter.
Charges Filed
Authorities have charged Zinn with obstruction of justice, a second-degree felony. Police say his actions wasted precious time during the early stages of the investigation.
“Those first words slowed down the investigation and wasted police time and energy at a crucial point in the case,” the documents state.
Zinn’s Troubled History
Prosecutors and law enforcement describe Zinn as a fixture at political gatherings, protests, and cultural events. Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill told the Salt Lake Tribune that Zinn has often been disruptive.
“He’s a person who can be odd, and has those kinds of sometimes odd behavior challenges,” Gill said. “But by and large, he’s more of a gadfly than anything else.”
Zinn has been arrested for trespassing at film festivals, political meetings, and protests. In 2013, he reportedly spent a year in jail for threatening to bomb the Salt Lake City Marathon.
Despite his behavior, authorities say there is currently no evidence linking Zinn to Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old man accused of assassinating Kirk.
The Main Suspect
Robinson remains in custody at the Utah County Sheriff’s Department, where he is under “special watch” pending a mental health evaluation.
Investigators say Robinson fatally shot Kirk from a rooftop near Utah Valley University before fleeing. He evaded capture for 33 hours until his father recognized him in surveillance photos released by the FBI and persuaded him to surrender.
Robinson reportedly told his father he was considering suicide before turning himself in.
Cooperation from Robinson’s Circle
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said on Sunday that Robinson is not cooperating with investigators but that his family and romantic partner are. Robinson’s partner, who is transitioning from male to female, has reportedly provided evidence to the FBI, including text messages and communications with the suspect.
The governor added that those close to Robinson described him as “deeply indoctrinated with leftist ideology.”
FBI Findings
FBI Director Kash Patel also revealed that investigators discovered a text message exchange in which Robinson allegedly told a friend he had the opportunity to “take out Charlie Kirk” and was “going to do it.”
Patel said DNA recovered from a screwdriver and a towel used to wrap the weapon matched Robinson. The rifle itself is still being processed by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
A Case Growing More Complex
Between the false confession, evidence from Robinson’s partner, and forensic discoveries, investigators say the case highlights both the challenges and urgency of prosecuting politically charged violence.
Officials stress that despite Robinson’s silence, the evidence against him is substantial. Still, Zinn’s bizarre intervention illustrates how chaos and misinformation can complicate an already tense investigation.
