Obstructing Kirk shooting probe and child exploitation charges

A 71-year-old man who was detained at Utah Valley University moments after conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot on Sept. 10 has been charged with obstructing the murder investigation and with four counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, authorities said. George Zinn, a longtime political gadfly in the Salt Lake City area, approached officers at the event and repeatedly told them he was the shooter, according to a police affidavit and court records. Video of his arrest, which circulated widely online, showed him being led away in handcuffs with his pants around his knees as students watched in shock.

Police said Zinn shouted, "I shot him, now shoot me" as officers handcuffed him and asked where a weapon was hidden. The affidavit by Officer Michael Dutson quoted Zinn as later telling investigators he had falsely confessed to draw attention away from the real shooter and to allow that person to escape. Zinn was transported to a hospital for evaluation after complaining of chest pains and then questioned by federal agents, court filings show.

Investigators said Zinn’s conduct prolonged the critical early phase of the probe and diverted law enforcement resources. He was...