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An elderly individual, taken into custody shortly after the shooting of Charlie Kirk and then released, sought to aid the suspected gunman get away by making a false admission, law enforcement confirm.

Utah County Sheriff Michael Smith said that George Zinn told officers that he had "yelled that he was the shooter to allow the actual suspect escape".

The main individual in the killing is 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, who reportedly noted Mr Zinn's early detention after the shooting, informing a companion over text that the police "arrested some eccentric elderly man."

Mr Zinn is remaining in custody on interfering with law enforcement charges. In a separate matter, he has additionally faced accusations with having inappropriate content.

Details on the Investigation

George Zinn was among several individuals that authorities questioned for investigation after conservative commentator Charlie Kirk was killed at Utah Valley University on 10 September.

Police eventually found that the detained individuals were had no role in the killing.

Mr Zinn "deliberately shouted he was the shooter and by doing so, hindered authorities from concentrating on the true perpetrator", the sheriff stated in a release.

Legal filings provided by campus police allege that Mr Zinn began yelling: "I shot him - now shoot me."

When asked by an officer where the weapon employed during the shooting was hidden, he is said to have replied: "That information remains with me", per the documents.

The sheriff emphasized that there was so far no indication Mr Zinn worked alongside the gunman.

Additional Charges

The law enforcement official added that Mr Zinn is also being held for the sexual exploitation of a minor, and that authorities located more than 20 images of children "in various stages of undress and suggestive positioning."

On the start of the week, a judge ordered that Mr Zinn be held without bail, labeling him a "significant risk" to the community.

It was not clear from court records if he had a lawyer.

History of the Individual

Mr Zinn is recognized among planners of forums in the region. "He showed up frequently at events with the aim of interrupting the event or target a well-known individual", sources indicate.

He is known for a pattern of lesser offenses, including an detention years ago for issuing a menacing communication to the organizers of the Salt Lake City Marathon shortly following the Boston Marathon bombing.

Charges Filed

The prime suspect, the prime suspect in the killing was indicted on several offenses including first-degree homicide, on Tuesday.

Charlie Kirk was among the most prominent political commentators and public voices in the US.

Famous for his strong statements on gender, ethnicity, and firearm legislation, Kirk was a polarising figure and a key associate of ex-President Trump.

He was shot while speaking publicly at Utah Valley University, in what law enforcement called a intentional homicide. The ex-president referred to Mr Kirk "a dedicated conservative" and said his killing marked a "dark moment for America".