Who is George Zinn? Utah Political Activist Detained After Charlie Kirk Shooting

On Wednesday, September 10, 2025, images spread online showing police escorting an older man away from the chaotic scene of Charlie Kirk’s assassination at Utah Valley University. That man was quickly identified by many Utahns as George Zinn, a 71-year-old activist known across the state for his frequent and often disruptive presence at political events.

According to Utah law enforcement, Zinn was taken into custody on suspicion of obstruction of justice shortly after the shooting. He was later released the same evening. Another person was also detained but released after questioning. Officials confirmed that the manhunt for the real shooter is still ongoing.

A Familiar Face in Utah Politics

Zinn is no stranger to the public eye. Over the decades, he has become known as a political gadfly—an eccentric figure who shows up at events ranging from county speeches to protests and film festivals. He often drew attention for disruptive behavior and has been arrested multiple times, mostly for trespassing or disorderly conduct.

In 2012, Zinn gained a peculiar distinction by becoming the first person removed from the City Creek Center mall in Salt Lake City when it first opened. He was also spotted at high-profile events such as the Sundance Film Festival, where he was banned in 2023 after trying to force his way into a Q&A session.

History of Arrests and Legal Troubles

Zinn’s criminal history dates back to the 1980s. His most serious charge came in 2013, when he was accused of making a bomb threat at the Salt Lake City Marathon finish line. He eventually took a plea deal and served time in jail after failing to meet probation requirements.

In recent years, Zinn was repeatedly arrested for minor misdemeanors. In January 2025, Park City police arrested him for trespassing at Sundance. In May, he was arrested in Ogden for standing in the road and refusing to move for traffic. According to the arrest report, he told the officer, “I don’t care, take me to jail.”

Despite these run-ins with the law, prosecutors and law enforcement described him more as a persistent nuisance than a serious threat. Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill said Zinn was “odd” at times but more of a gadfly than anything else.

Political Leanings and Public Presence

Zinn, who leaned conservative with libertarian views, frequently attended Republican and Democratic gatherings. He was often seen at speeches by Utah politicians, including Sen. Mike Lee, and even at national events such as the Republican National Convention in 1988 and 2012.

At one point in 1988, Zinn showed up at the GOP convention in New Orleans without a place to stay. Former U.S. Education Secretary T.H. Bell allowed him to sleep in his hotel room on a cot. Decades later, in 2012, he attempted something similar in Tampa but was removed by hotel security.

In 2023, he was photographed attending Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson’s State of the County address and also joined a Martin Luther King Day march.

Zinn’s Role After the Shooting

During the aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s shooting, videos captured Zinn being taken away by officers. His pants slipped down during the arrest, drawing more public attention. Some bystanders claimed they heard him say he was the shooter, though police later confirmed he had no weapon and was not responsible for the attack.

Zinn was booked for obstruction but quickly released. Governor Spencer Cox later said that Zinn had been cleared as the shooter but faced charges for interfering with the investigation.

Despite decades of unusual behavior and frequent arrests, Zinn has remained a recognizable figure in Utah’s political circles. His sudden involvement in the events at Utah Valley University has only deepened the mystery surrounding the assassination of Charlie Kirk.