George Zinn, who diverted police by falsely claiming responsibility for the killing of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, was sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to child sex crimes and obstruction of justice.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
George Zinn, the elderly man who falsely told police he had shot conservative activist Charlie Kirk in the immediate aftermath of Kirk’s assassination, has been sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to child sex crimes and obstruction of justice.
Zinn, 71, pleaded guilty to two second-degree felony counts of sexual exploitation of a minor and entered a no-contest plea to a third-degree felony count of obstruction of justice, according to a report by The Hill. Fourth District Court Judge Thomas Low sentenced Zinn to two prison terms of up to 15 years for the sexual exploitation charges and an additional term of up to five years for obstruction. Under Utah law, the sentences will be served concurrently, with the parole board determining the actual time served.
The charges stem from Zinn’s arrest at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10, when he was taken into custody after claiming he was the person who shot Kirk. Video of Zinn being escorted away by police on campus quickly circulated online, causing widespread confusion and temporarily diverting law enforcement resources from the search for the real suspect.
Court documents state that when a detective asked Zinn where the gun was, he replied, “I am not going to tell you where it is. I shot him, now shoot me.” Prosecutors said Zinn later admitted that he knowingly diverted “the attention of multiple law enforcement officers from their efforts to secure the scene and find the actual shooter.”
During the investigation that followed his arrest, police examined Zinn’s phone and discovered child sexual abuse material. Charging documents said Zinn had saved illegal images of children, shared them with others in online chats while claiming they depicted his daughters, and received similar material from other individuals.
At sentencing, Zinn read a brief statement to the court in which he did not mention Kirk by name and asserted, “I am not and will never be a danger to children or their parents.” He said he had a desire to change and lead a responsible life before breaking down in tears and asking his attorney to speak on his behalf.
Defense attorney Carly Madsen told the court that Zinn had lived a difficult life, describing him as someone who “never fit in,” lacked support, and never received the help he needed. She expressed hope that Zinn would be able to access treatment and resources while incarcerated.
Prior to Kirk’s killing, Zinn was described by authorities as a political “gadfly” who regularly appeared at protests, rallies, and other events that attracted public attention.
Investigators have since identified 22-year-old Tyler Robinson as the suspect in Kirk’s assassination. Authorities have said Robinson, according to friends and former colleagues, previously made comments joking about violence against conservative figures and discussed firearms capabilities before the shooting.
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