Man who was initially arrested for confessing to Kirk murder booked for false confession
News | By Easton Martin | September 16, 2025
Authorities in Utah have charged 71-year-old George Hodgson Zinn with obstruction of justice after he falsely confessed to shooting activist Charlie Kirk, according to police and court documents.
Shortly after the fatal shooting at Utah Valley University on September 10, Zinn approached law enforcement on the scene, yelling, “I shot him, now shoot me.” Officers searched him but found no weapon. When asked where the gun was, Zinn reportedly refused to reveal anything.
Zinn later retracted the confession, telling investigators that he had claimed responsibility to draw attention from the real shooter and allow that individual extra time to escape. While hospitalized for an undisclosed medical issue, he said he was “glad he said he shot the individual” so the real suspect could flee. He also reportedly said he wanted to be a “martyr” in Kirk’s place.Law enforcement confirmed that Zinn was not considered the shooter.
The actual suspect, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, was arrested and faces charges including aggravated murder. Meanwhile, in a separate investigation, Zinn has also been booked on allegations related to sexual exploitation of a minor after investigators found over 20 images on his phone depicting child abuse.Zinn is currently being held without bail in Utah County Jail on the obstruction charge.
