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An elderly individual, arrested following the shooting of Charlie Kirk and then released, tried to assist the prime suspect flee by making a false admission, authorities confirm.

Law enforcement official Michael Smith stated that George Zinn confessed to authorities that he had "shouted that he was the shooter to enable the real perpetrator get away".

The prime suspect in the shooting is 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, who seemed to recognize Mr Zinn's early detention after the shooting, telling his roommate via message that the police "grabbed some crazy old dude."

Mr Zinn is remaining in custody on impeding an investigation charges. Separately, he has been indicted with possession of child sex abuse material.

Further Information on the Investigation

George Zinn was among several individuals that officers took in for investigation after media personality Charlie Kirk was assassinated at Utah Valley University on 10 September.

Police eventually found that the two suspects were had no role in the attack.

Mr Zinn "deliberately shouted he was the shooter and by doing so, obstructed Law Enforcement from focusing on the real gunman", the sheriff announced in a release.

Court documents submitted by campus police state that Mr Zinn began shouting: "I am the shooter - now shoot me."

When questioned by police where the firearm involved in the shooting was situated, he allegedly responded: "That information remains with me", according to the documents.

The sheriff emphasized that there was at this time no proof Mr Zinn worked alongside the gunman.

Other Allegations

Sheriff Smith further stated that Mr Zinn is also being held for the sexual exploitation of a minor, and that authorities located numerous photographs of children "showing inappropriate exposure and suggestive positioning."

On the start of the week, a magistrate decided that Mr Zinn be held denied release, calling him a "serious threat" to the community.

It was unconfirmed from court records if he was represented legally.

Past Behavior of the Individual

Mr Zinn is well known among coordinators of forums in the local area. "He was a regular presence at public forums with the purpose of disturbing the event or question a high-profile speaker", sources indicate.

He additionally possesses a long history of minor crimes, including an previous apprehension for dispatching an intimidating message to the hosts of the Salt Lake City Marathon shortly following the Boston Marathon bombing.

Legal Proceedings

The prime suspect, the key individual in the homicide was formally accused on multiple charges including premeditated killing, on this week.

Charlie Kirk was a well-known political commentators and public voices in the US.

Famous for his outspoken views on social issues, cultural topics, and gun rights, Kirk was a polarising figure and a close ally of Donald Trump.

He was targeted while hosting an event at Utah Valley University, in what officials labeled a targeted attack. Donald Trump referred to Mr Kirk "a dedicated conservative" and said his killing marked a "dark moment for America".