George Zinn
© Bethany Baker | The Salt Lake Tribune
George Zinn, the first man arrested after the Charlie Kirk assassination, pleaded guilty Thursday to sexual exploitation of a minor and obstruction of justice.

George Hodgson Zinn, 71, was detained by police at the scene of the shooting at UVU that killed Charlie Kirk. According to the Utah County Sheriff's Office, Zinn yelled, "I shot him, now shoot me," as police scrambled to find the shooter. Following his arrest, police found child sexual abuse material on his phone.

According to court documents, Zinn admitted he had shouted, claiming he shot Kirk, to draw attention away from the real shooter.

One detective, who was placed about 15 feet behind Kirk, reported hearing a loud bang, followed by screaming from the crowd. After clearing the scene, the detective identified Zinn, who approached him claiming he had fired the shot.

Zinn told the detective, "I am not going to tell you where [the gun] is. I shot him, now shoot me."

While he was being escorted, Zinn stated he could not walk. Documents say his pants then fell down around his ankles.

He was taken to the Utah Valley Regional Medical Center after complaining of chest pain. He was monitored for several hours by a UVU police officer.

During his detention, police asked if they would find anything illegal on his phone, after he consented to a search. He responded saying that he uses the phone to view CSAM. An investigation confirmed what he said was true.

Zinn could serve up to five years for the obstruction of justice charge as well as 15 years for both counts of sexual exploitation of a minor. The charges also include fines that could total up to $25,000, along with surcharges and fees.

Sorina Trauntvein contributed to this reporting.