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An elderly individual, detained in the wake of the shooting of Charlie Kirk and subsequently let go, sought to aid the alleged shooter flee by posing as the perpetrator, officials state.

Law enforcement official Michael Smith revealed that the suspect admitted to police that he had "exclaimed that he was the shooter to help the true gunman flee".

The main individual in the shooting is Tyler Robinson, aged 22, who seemed to recognize Mr Zinn's initial arrest after the incident, telling his roommate via message that the police "detained some eccentric elderly man."

Mr Zinn is being held 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 officers took in for interrogation after media personality Charlie Kirk was fatally shot at Utah Valley University on 10 September.

Police eventually found that the persons of interest were were uninvolved in the killing.

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

Official records filed by campus police state that Mr Zinn began shouting: "I shot him - now shoot me."

When interrogated by authorities where the firearm employed during the shooting was located, he is said to have replied: "I am not going to tell you", per the documents.

The sheriff said that there was at this time no proof Mr Zinn colluded with the gunman.

Additional Charges

Sheriff Smith added that Mr Zinn is also being held for the misconduct with a young person, and that investigators discovered more than 20 images of children "in various stages of undress and exploitative postures."

On earlier this week, a court ruled that Mr Zinn be held denied release, describing him as a "significant risk" to the community.

It was not clear from court records if he was represented legally.

Background of the Accused

Mr Zinn is familiar among organizers of public events in the region. "He was a regular presence at events with the purpose of disturbing the event or target a well-known individual", accounts indicate.

He is known for a extensive record of minor crimes, including an previous apprehension for dispatching an intimidating message to the coordinators of the Salt Lake City Marathon just days after the Boston Marathon bombing.

Legal Proceedings

Tyler Robinson, the prime suspect in the homicide was formally accused on several offenses including aggravated murder, on recently.

Charlie Kirk was one of the highest profile political commentators and media personalities 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 ex-President Trump.

He was attacked while leading a gathering at Utah Valley University, in what law enforcement called a intentional homicide. Former President Trump referred to Mr Kirk "a loyal American" and said his killing marked a "tragic time for America".