NEW: Utah Man Who Falsely ‘Confessed’ in Charlie Kirk Case Now Facing Shocking New Charges
Authorities in Utah have filed new charges against 71-year-old George Zinn, a political activist who falsely confessed to the shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University earlier this month.
According to a report from Fox 13 Utah, Zinn approached officers at the scene immediately after the shooting and shouted, “I shot him, now shoot me.”
However, investigators quickly determined that he was unarmed and not responsible for the attack.
Police say his false confession disrupted the early stages of the investigation by diverting resources away from the actual suspect.
Court documents show that Zinn later admitted he did not kill Kirk. Instead, he told investigators he wanted to “distract from the real shooter” and described himself as trying to be a “martyr.”
During the investigation, police obtained a search warrant for Zinn’s phone.
Zinn is well known in Utah as a frequent protester and political “gadfly.”
Local officials say he has a long history of disruptive behavior at public events, including past arrests for trespassing and making threats.
In 2013, he served a jail sentence for threatening to bomb the Salt Lake City Marathon.
Meanwhile, the investigation into Charlie Kirk’s killing continues.
Tyler Robinson, the 27-year-old suspect accused of firing the fatal shot, has been charged with seven counts, including aggravated murder.
Prosecutors have announced they will pursue the death penalty.
The original person of interest, George Zinn, 71, has allegedly confessed that he pretended to have shot Charlie Kirk to help the real killer escape.
He is being held without bond and charged with felony obstruction. pic.twitter.com/ltgCG5VAjJ
— National Conservative (@NatCon2022) September 16, 2025
Authorities say Kirk, a 31-year-old father of two, was shot while answering questions in a crowded plaza at Utah Valley University.
Video evidence indicates the shooter fired from a rooftop about 200 yards away.
Officials emphasize that Zinn’s actions not only created chaos at the crime scene but also wasted valuable time as officers searched for the real perpetrator.
His additional charges mark another development in a case that has deeply shaken the Utah community.
