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A senior suspect, taken into custody shortly after the killing of Charlie Kirk and subsequently let go, sought to aid the suspected gunman get away by making a false admission, officials report.

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

The main individual in the assassination is 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, who seemed to recognize Mr Zinn's initial arrest after the attack, texting his housemate through a text that the police "arrested some crazy old dude."

Mr Zinn is remaining in custody on interfering with law enforcement charges. Separately, he has been indicted with possession of child sex abuse material.

Background on the Incident

George Zinn was among several individuals that authorities questioned for interrogation after media personality Charlie Kirk was assassinated at Utah Valley University on the tenth of September.

Police later determined that the detained individuals were had no role in the shooting.

Mr Zinn "deliberately shouted he was the shooter and by doing so, obstructed Law Enforcement from concentrating on the true perpetrator", the sheriff said in a release.

Official records submitted by campus police state that Mr Zinn began exclaiming: "I am the shooter - now shoot me."

When questioned by police where the weapon employed during the shooting was situated, he is said to have replied: "I won’t disclose that", per the documents.

The sheriff emphasized that there was currently no evidence Mr Zinn colluded with the gunman.

Additional Charges

The law enforcement official noted that Mr Zinn is also being held for the abuse involving a child, and that authorities located more than 20 images of children "partially or fully unclothed and suggestive positioning."

On earlier this week, a court ruled that Mr Zinn be held refused bond, calling him a "substantial danger" to the community.

It was not clear from legal documents if he was represented legally.

Background of the Individual

Mr Zinn is recognized among coordinators of gatherings in the region. "He was a regular presence at events with the aim of interrupting the event or target a well-known individual", sources indicate.

He also has a long history of lesser offenses, including an detention years ago for sending a threatening email to the hosts of the Salt Lake City Marathon shortly following the Boston Marathon bombing.

Legal Proceedings

The prime suspect, the main accused in the killing was indicted on multiple charges including aggravated murder, on recently.

Charlie Kirk was one of the highest profile right-wing figures and influencers in the US.

Known for his outspoken views on gender, cultural topics, and firearm legislation, Kirk was a polarising figure and a strong supporter of former President Donald Trump.

He was attacked while hosting an event at Utah Valley University, in what authorities have described a targeted attack. Donald Trump called Mr Kirk "a loyal American" and said his killing marked a "tragic time for America".