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An elderly individual, taken into custody following the assassination of Charlie Kirk and then released, tried to assist the alleged shooter flee by posing as the perpetrator, law enforcement confirm.

Utah County Sheriff Michael Smith stated that the suspect admitted to police that he had "yelled that he was the shooter to allow the true gunman get away".

The prime suspect in the killing is the young suspect Tyler Robinson, who seemed to recognize Mr Zinn's early detention after the incident, texting his housemate through a text that the police "arrested 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.

Background on the Investigation

George Zinn was among several individuals that officers took in for interrogation after political activist Charlie Kirk was assassinated at Utah Valley University on 10 September.

Police subsequently concluded that the two suspects were had no role in the shooting.

Mr Zinn "deliberately shouted he was the shooter and by doing so, obstructed Law Enforcement from focusing on the actual shooter", the sheriff stated in a official comment.

Court documents filed by campus police state that Mr Zinn began yelling: "I shot him - now shoot me."

When interrogated by authorities where the firearm involved in the shooting was located, he allegedly responded: "I won’t disclose that", as stated in the documents.

The sheriff said that there was so far no indication Mr Zinn conspired with the gunman.

Additional Charges

Sheriff Smith added that Mr Zinn is additionally detained for the sexual exploitation of a minor, and that agents found numerous photographs of children "partially or fully unclothed and sexual posing."

On Monday, a magistrate decided that Mr Zinn be held without bail, describing him as a "substantial danger" to the community.

It was not clear from court records if he had a lawyer.

Background of the Accused

Mr Zinn is recognized among coordinators of public events in the region. "He showed up frequently at speeches with the intention to disrupt the event or challenge a prominent figure", sources indicate.

He additionally possesses a extensive record of lesser offenses, including an arrest in 2013 for issuing a menacing communication to the hosts of the Salt Lake City Marathon just days after the Boston Marathon bombing.

Case Updates

The prime suspect, the prime suspect in the shooting was charged on several offenses including premeditated killing, on this week.

Charlie Kirk was among the most prominent political commentators and media personalities in the US.

Recognized for his outspoken views on gender, race, and firearm legislation, Kirk was a polarising figure and a strong supporter of Donald Trump.

He was attacked while speaking publicly at Utah Valley University, in what authorities have described a intentional homicide. Former President Trump called Mr Kirk "a dedicated conservative" and said his killing marked a "dark moment for America".