Charlie kirk shooting man originally charged claimed to be gunman cover for real perpetrator 20250917 p5zh1u.html – Breaking News & Latest Updates 2026
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This was published 11 months ago

Man originally arrested after Charlie Kirk shooting yelled: "I shot him, now shoot me"

Associated Press

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Authorities have revealed that a man arrested in the aftermath of the Charlie Kirk shooting was taken into custody because he yelled, "I shot him, now shoot me."

A probable cause statement said George Zinn later admitted that he only said that "so the real suspect could get away."

A voicemail message left after hours by Associated Press at the office of a lawyer who represented Zinn for another case earlier this year was not immediately returned.

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READ MORE: Suspected Charlie Kirk shooter in line to pay ultimate penalty

A mugshot released by the Utah Governor's Office shows Charlie Kirk shooting suspect Tyler Robinson. Utah Governor's Office via CNN

Since the shooting, security experts have questioned the level of security at the event, including the number of officers and the decision to hold it outside.

Kirk was known to prefer being as close to students as possible during his tour on college campuses, allowing him to strike up conversations with passersby. And with each stop, his level of protection varied greatly.

Robinson detailed movements after the shooting

In a text exchange with his partner released by authorities, the alleged gunman Tyler Robinson wrote about planning to get his rifle from his "drop point," but that the area was "locked down."

Later he sent: "I can get close to it but there is a squad car parked right by it. I think they already swept that spot, but I don't wanna chance it." The texts cited in court documents did not include timestamps and it was unclear how long after the shooting Robinson was texting.

"To be honest I had hoped to keep this secret till I died of old age. I am sorry to involve you," Robinson wrote in another text to his partner.

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