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A 71-year-old man, arrested following the assassination of Charlie Kirk and subsequently let go, sought to aid the suspected gunman flee by faking a confession, authorities confirm.

Local sheriff Michael Smith stated that the suspect told officers that he had "yelled that he was the shooter to allow the real perpetrator escape".

The key person in the killing is Tyler Robinson, aged 22, who seemed to recognize Mr Zinn's early detention after the attack, informing a companion through a text that the police "arrested some eccentric elderly man."

Mr Zinn is remaining in custody on impeding an investigation charges. Additionally, he has also been charged with having inappropriate content.

Details on the Case

George Zinn was one of two people that officers took in for interrogation after conservative commentator Charlie Kirk was fatally shot at Utah Valley University on September 10.

Police subsequently concluded that the two suspects were not involved in the shooting.

Mr Zinn "purposefully exclaimed he was the shooter and by doing so, hindered authorities from concentrating on the real gunman", the sheriff stated in a official comment.

Official records filed by campus police claim that Mr Zinn began yelling: "I shot him - now shoot me."

When questioned by police where the gun involved in the shooting was hidden, he reportedly answered: "I am not going to tell you", per the documents.

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

Further Accusations

Sheriff Smith noted that Mr Zinn is also being held for the misconduct with a young person, and that investigators discovered over twenty pictures of children "partially or fully unclothed and exploitative postures."

On earlier this week, a judge ordered that Mr Zinn be held refused bond, labeling him a "significant risk" to the community.

It was not clear from court records if he was represented legally.

Past Behavior of the Accused

Mr Zinn is familiar among coordinators of forums in Salt Lake City. "He was a regular presence at public forums with the intention to disrupt the event or target a well-known individual", sources indicate.

He additionally possesses a pattern of minor crimes, including an arrest in 2013 for issuing a menacing communication to the organizers of the Salt Lake City Marathon in the wake of the Boston Marathon bombing.

Case Updates

Tyler Robinson, the main accused in the killing was formally accused on several offenses including first-degree homicide, on recently.

Charlie Kirk was one of the highest profile political commentators and media personalities in the US.

Known for his bold opinions on social issues, cultural topics, and Second Amendment advocacy, Kirk was a controversial individual and a close ally of ex-President Trump.

He was shot while hosting an event at Utah Valley University, in what authorities have described a intentional homicide. Donald Trump called Mr Kirk "a patriot" and said his killing marked a "dark moment for America".