Provo, Utah — A 71-year-old man is facing serious charges after he falsely confessed to shooting conservative activist Charlie Kirk during an event at Utah Valley University. George Zinn, who identifies himself as a political provocateur, approached law enforcement immediately following the incident, claiming responsibility for the shooting in a desperate attempt to distract from the actual assailant.
Witnesses described how Zinn yelled, “I shot him, now shoot me,” as he was taken into custody last Wednesday. Despite his alarming declaration, police confirmed that Zinn was unarmed at the time. Investigators reported that Zinn, during subsequent interviews, admitted he did not shoot Kirk but claimed he wanted to “draw attention from the real shooter” and hoped to serve as a “martyr” for Kirk.
Law enforcement officials noted that Zinn’s actions complicated their investigative efforts and disrupted the urgent response required in such a situation. As a result, he has been charged with obstruction of justice, a second-degree felony. Authorities emphasized that his confession led to unnecessary chaos, consuming critical law enforcement resources during a vital moment.
In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, video footage circulated widely online, showing officers escorting Zinn away while bystanders mistakenly believed he was the shooter. His image quickly spread across social media, leading to significant confusion before authorities clarified that he was not involved in the shooting.
Zinn is known in the local community as a “gadfly,” often making appearances at various political rallies, protests, and other public gatherings, where his behavior has occasionally disrupted events. He has a history of similar conduct, including a conviction in 2013 for making bomb threats during the Salt Lake City Marathon, which resulted in a year-long jail sentence.
Sim Gill, the Salt Lake County District Attorney, has dealt with Zinn in past legal matters and described him as eccentric, noting his tendency for peculiar behavior. “He’s more of a gadfly than anything else,” Gill said, indicating a pattern of oddity rather than genuine malice.
Authorities continue to investigate the actual shooter, identified as 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, who was apprehended after being turned in by his father. Investigators are now exploring Robinson’s background to determine whether he acted alone or if there was an extended network facilitating his actions.
As the investigation unfolds, the focus remains on understanding the circumstances of the shooting and ensuring justice for those affected, including Kirk, who survived the incident.