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An elderly individual, detained in the wake of the killing of Charlie Kirk and subsequently let go, attempted to help the alleged shooter escape by making a false admission, officials report.

Utah County Sheriff Michael Smith revealed that the suspect told officers that he had "exclaimed that he was the shooter to enable the real perpetrator flee".

The main individual in the shooting is Tyler Robinson, aged 22, who reportedly noted Mr Zinn's early detention after the attack, informing a companion via message that the police "detained some eccentric elderly man."

Mr Zinn is remaining in custody on impeding an investigation charges. Separately, he has additionally faced accusations with holding illicit imagery.

Further Information on the Investigation

George Zinn was among several individuals that authorities questioned for questioning after political activist Charlie Kirk was fatally shot at Utah Valley University on September 10.

Police eventually found that the two suspects were not involved in the shooting.

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

Legal filings filed by campus police claim that Mr Zinn began exclaiming: "I am the shooter - now shoot me."

When interrogated by authorities where the firearm used in the shooting was situated, he reportedly answered: "That information remains with me", per the documents.

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

Further Accusations

Michael Smith noted that Mr Zinn is facing custody for the sexual exploitation of a minor, and that agents found numerous photographs of children "partially or fully unclothed and suggestive positioning."

On earlier this week, a judge ordered that Mr Zinn be held denied release, describing him as a "substantial danger" to the community.

It was uncertain from legal documents if he had a lawyer.

Past Behavior of the Accused

Mr Zinn is familiar among coordinators of forums in the region. "He showed up frequently at speeches with the purpose of disturbing the event or target a well-known individual", accounts indicate.

He additionally possesses a pattern of petty violations, including an detention years ago for dispatching an intimidating message to the organizers of the Salt Lake City Marathon shortly following the Boston Marathon bombing.

Charges Filed

The prime suspect, the key individual in the killing was charged on several offenses including aggravated murder, on Tuesday.

Charlie Kirk was one of the highest profile political commentators and public voices in the US.

Recognized for his bold opinions on identity, cultural topics, and Second Amendment advocacy, Kirk was a divisive personality and a strong supporter of Donald Trump.

He was attacked while hosting an event at Utah Valley University, in what officials labeled a premeditated assault. Donald Trump called Mr Kirk "a patriot" and said his killing marked a "sorrowful period for America".