George Zinn, a 71-year-old political activist, faces four counts of sexual exploitation of a minor after allegedly possessing and sharing over 20 images of children as young as five in sexually explicit poses, just days after his arrest for falsely claiming responsibility for the fatal shooting of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.

Zinn was taken into custody shortly after the September 10, 2025, attack at Utah Valley University, where he reportedly shouted, "I shot him, now shoot me," despite being unarmed, in an apparent bid to distract authorities and aid the real suspect's escape. The Utah County Sheriff's Office announced the new charges Monday, stating Zinn admitted to deriving sexual gratification from the material and preferring victims aged five to 12.

During questioning at campus police headquarters, Zinn refused to cooperate but was later hospitalized for a medical issue. A search warrant revealed the illicit images and "graphic" text exchanges with others. Zinn, known locally as a gadfly attending political events and facing multiple trespassing arrests, told investigators he wanted to be a "martyr" for Kirk's killing but later confessed to the hoax.

Zinn remains in Utah County Jail, facing up to life in prison if convicted on the exploitation charges, plus obstruction of justice. The case coincides with Tuesday's arraignment of 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, the primary suspect charged with aggravated murder and facing the death penalty. Authorities confirmed no collusion between Zinn and Robinson.