The assassination of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University has not only shocked the nation but also unleashed a wave of misinformation and conspiracy theories. In the days following the tragic shooting, speculation fueled by viral clips and social media posts led many down paths of confusion and false accusations.
Breaking News. Spirit-Filled Stories. Subscribe to Charisma on YouTube now!
One of the most prominent examples involved 71-year-old George Zinn who was detained in the immediate aftermath of the shooting. According to police documents, Zinn began screaming, “I shot him – now shoot me,” while officers held him down. Video of the incident circulated online leading some to believe authorities had already apprehended the real suspect. However, as the Guardian reported, “Police contend that Zinn subsequently admitted that he was not the shooter and did not know who was – and he purportedly claimed that he had acted how he did to draw attention away from the real killer in hopes of becoming ‘a martyr’ for Kirk.”
Order Jonathan Cahn’s Newest Book, “The Avatar” on Amazon.com!
The confusion surrounding Zinn’s arrest was compounded when authorities later revealed he faced charges of obstruction of justice and possession of child abuse material. His case, though sensational, had no connection to Kirk’s actual assassination. Police ultimately identified and arrested 22-year-old Tyler Robinson as the real suspect.
Another conspiracy theory spread online after images surfaced of a man in a white shirt, white hat and sunglasses standing next to Kirk with a cell phone. Social media users alleged this man was complicit in the assassination. Those accusations were quickly dispelled when Christian apologist Dr. Frank Turek confirmed he was that man standing with his close friend in support. Turek’s team addressed the rumors directly in a public statement:
“The viral accusations against Dr. Frank Turek are categorically false. Dr. Turek was at Utah Valley University as part of Charlie Kirk’s team, standing with him as a close friend and mentor. Their bond was marked by deep respect and unwavering support. Like everyone, we want Charlie’s assassin brought swiftly to justice, but reckless and false accusations only distract from the truth and dishonor Charlie’s memory.”
The viral accusations against Dr. Frank Turek are categorically false. Dr. Turek was at Utah Valley University as part of Charlie Kirk’s team, standing with him as a close friend and mentor. Their bond was marked by deep respect and unwavering support. Like everyone, we want… pic.twitter.com/NonSR8A9OR
— Frank Turek (@DrFrankTurek) September 12, 2025
Join Charisma Magazine Online to follow everything the Holy Spirit is doing around the world!
The rush to judgment in these cases highlights how easily false narratives can spiral in moments of crisis. This horrific event shows how important patience, discernment and temperance are during such a volatile time in American history. People are angry and many are grieving but in the midst of all of it God is right here with us, capable and willing to take what the enemy meant for evil and turn it into something good.
James Lasher, a seasoned writer and editor at Charisma Media, combines faith and storytelling with a background in journalism from Otterbein University and ministry experience in Guatemala and the LA Dream Center. A Marine Corps and Air Force veteran, he is the author of The Revelation of Jesus: A Common Man’s Commentary and a contributor to Charisma magazine.
