First man arrested during aftermath of Kirk assassination allegedly found in possession of CSAM

OREM, Utah (ABC4) — George Zinn, the first man arrested at Utah Valley University shortly after Kirk assassination, has been accused of possessing child sex abuse material (CSAM).

On Sept. 10, 2025, Zinn, 71, was taken into custody following the shooting of Charlie Kirk in the UVU courtyard. He was later cleared on having any direct involvement in the shooting. However, Zinn was booked on charges of obstruction of justice.

Court documents show that Zinn allegedly yelled, “I shot him, now shoot me,” to a police officer. The officer did not see any weapons in his hands and placed him under arrest. When asked where the gun was, Zinn responded by saying, “I am not going to tell you.”

While in custody at the UVU Police Department, Zinn had a medical issue and was transported to the hospital. According to the Utah County Sheriff’s Office, Zinn said he did not shoot Kirk, but that he claimed he had done so do draw attention away from the real shooter.

While at the hospital, Zinn agreed to speak with an FBI Agent as well as an agent from the Utah State Bureau of Investigation. During the interview, the agents were given permission to look through Zinn’s phone.

“Zinn told the Agents that he uses his phone to view and abuse Child Sex Abuse Material and there may be some images on his phone,” a press release from the Utah County Sheriff’s Office said.

Upon searching, agents found evidence of CSAM. Detectives from the Utah County Special Victims Unit soon took over the matter and executed a search warrant. Officers later found over 20 “very graphic” images of children ranging from five to 12 years old.

Zinn is now being held in the Utah County Jail for multiple felonies including obstruction of justice and four counts of sexual exploitation of a minor.

“At this time there is no information that George Zinn actually colluded with the shooter,” the press release said.

Officers say the investigation into the CSAM is ongoing.