OREM, Utah (KTVX/KUCW) — A man arrested in connection with the death of Charlie Kirk yelled, “I shot him, now shoot me,” immediately after the fatal shooting in an attempt to help the shooter escape, according to newly filed documents.
George Zinn, 71, was taken into custody after the shooting, but he was later cleared of having any direct involvement with the shooting. He was arrested on suspicion of obstruction of justice.
The shooting suspect, Tyler Robinson, 22, was arrested on Sept. 11 after he told a family member that he was the one who shot and killed Kirk.
According to the affidavit of probable cause that was filed, immediately after the shooting, Zinn allegedly walked up to a police officer and started yelling, “I shot him, now shoot me.” The officer could not see a weapon in his hands and placed him in handcuffs. The officer asked him where the gun was, and he reportedly said, “I am not going to tell you.”
As he was transported to the UVU Police Department, he allegedly continued to say that he shot Kirk and to just shoot him. At the police department, Zinn was advised of his rights and asked for a lawyer.
According to the affidavit, after he asked for a lawyer, without being asked any questions by investigators, he stated that he did not shoot Kirk and that he said he did to draw attention away from the real shooter.
Zinn was later taken to the hospital because of a medical condition, and he reportedly told an officer that he was glad he said he shot the individual so the real suspect could get away. He also said he “wanted to be a martyr for the person who was shot,” according to the probable cause statement.
He was admitted to the hospital and released on Monday. He was then booked into the Utah County Jail on suspicion of obstruction of justice in a capital/first-degree felony case, which is a second-degree felony.
Information on second suspect arrested
The Department of Public Safety identified a second individual taken into custody as Zachariah Qureshi. Qureshi, 25, is a resident of Provo and a returned Latter-day Saint missionary. He attended the event as a supporter, his family said. Qureshi’s father told Nexstar’s KTVX that his son was “mistakenly detained” by police and that Qureshi had absolutely no role in the assassination.
Qureshi said his family has received online harassment since Wednesday’s events. He says his family’s home address in Texas was even posted online.
Suspect in court
Robinson’s initial appearance was scheduled for 3 p.m. on Tuesday. The hearing was to be virtual, and Robinson was expected to appear remotely.
He was arrested on charges of aggravated murder, a first-degree felony; felony discharge of a firearm – causing serious bodily injury, a first-degree felony, and obstruction of justice – capital/first-degree felony conduct, a second-degree felony.
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