OREM, Utah (ABC4) — The initial arrest following the tragic shooting of Charlie Kirk involved a man who reportedly shouted, “I shot him, now shoot me” right after the incident, in an alleged effort to divert attention from the actual shooter, as outlined in newly submitted documents.
George Zinn, aged 71, was apprehended after the shooting, but he was ultimately exonerated from direct involvement in the incident. His arrest was based on suspicions of obstructing justice.
Law enforcement now has a suspect detained for the crime. On September 11, Tyler Robinson, aged 22, was apprehended after confessing to a relative that he was responsible for the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk.
Per the affidavit of probable cause submitted on Tuesday, Zinn reportedly approached an officer immediately following the shooting, exclaiming, “I shot him, now shoot me.” The officer, unable to observe a weapon, handcuffed him. When questioned about the gun’s whereabouts, he allegedly responded, “I am not going to tell you.”
During his transport to the UVU Police Department, Zinn allegedly persisted in claiming responsibility for shooting Kirk and urged the officer to shoot him in return. Once at the department, Zinn was informed of his rights and requested legal counsel.
The affidavit further reveals that after requesting an attorney, without any prompting from investigators, Zinn declared he was not the shooter and admitted to claiming so in an effort to mislead authorities and protect the true perpetrator.
Zinn was later taken to the hospital because of a medical condition, and Zinn 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 September 15, and 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 2nd suspect arrested
The Department of Public Safety identified the second individual taken into custody as Zachariah Qureshi. Qureshi, 25, is a resident of Provo and returned Latter-day Saint missionary. He attended the event as a supporter, his family says. Qureshi’s father told ABC4.com that his son was “mistakenly detained” by police and that his son 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
The suspect, Tyler Robinson, was arrested on the evening of Sept. 11 in Washington County, UT. His initial appearance is scheduled for 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 16. The hearing will be virtual, and Robinson will 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.
