The older man who was led away in handcuffs after Charlie Kirk’s fatal shooting last week is now at the center of another disturbing case. Officials say 71-year-old George Zinn is locked up at the Utah County Jail, suspected of obstruction of justice and possession of child sex abuse material, as per the NY Post.
George Zinn arrested in child porn case
Zinn was in the crowd at Kirk’s event at Utah Valley University when the shots rang out. In the chaos, he shouted to the police that he had been the one who fired the gun. Officers grabbed him right away, but it did not take long for investigators to realize he was not the shooter. According to the Utah Department of Public Safety, Zinn refused to cooperate with questions and then appeared to experience a medical problem, so he was taken to a nearby hospital.
While being treated, Zinn was questioned by the FBI and the Utah State Bureau of Investigation. He admitted he lied about firing the weapon, saying he only yelled it out so the real gunman could get away. During the same interview, Zinn let agents check his phone and told them he uses it to look at sexual abuse material involving children.
Also read: Why did George Zinn falsely confess to shooting Charlie Kirk? His chilling admission revealed
A search of the device turned up more than 20 illegal images, according to investigators. Officials also allege that Zinn had sent those files to other people. In a statement, the Department of Public Safety said Zinn admitted he gets gratification from such images and even described a preferred victim age between 5 and 12 years old.
Zinn continues to be in custody
Once released from the hospital on Monday, Zinn was moved straight to the county jail. He is being held on suspicion of felony obstruction of justice, along with four felony counts of sexual exploitation of a minor. Records show he has not yet been formally charged in court.
Authorities stressed that Zinn was not behind Kirk’s killing. He was detained in the confusion before the truth came out. The real suspect, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, was arrested more than a day later and charged in the murder.
FAQs
Who is George Zinn?
George Zinn is a 71-year-old man who was arrested at the scene of Charlie Kirk’s fatal shooting in Utah.
Why was George Zinn arrested?
Zinn was taken into custody on suspicion of obstruction of justice and for possessing and sharing child sex abuse material.
Did George Zinn shoot Charlie Kirk?
No. Zinn falsely claimed he was the gunman. Tyler Robinson, 22, was later arrested and charged in Kirk’s killing.
What charges does Zinn face now?
He faces felony obstruction of justice and four counts of felony sexual exploitation of a minor.
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