George Hudson Zinn linked to Charlie Kirk's shooting
Conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot on Wednesday (September 10) during an event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. Kirk, the 31-year-old CEO and co-founder of Turning Point USA, was hosting a "Prove Me Wrong" debate session under a white pop-up tent as part of his "American Comeback Tour". While Kirk's condition remains critical, George Hodgson Zinn, a local troublemaker, has now been linked to his shooting.
According to Utah Valley University officials, a single shot struck Charlie Kirk in the neck during the event, causing immediate chaos among attendees. Witnesses described the scene as panicked, with people scrambling for cover as security rushed to his aid. The suspect, an older man dressed in a worker's uniform, was quickly apprehended near the venue and taken into custody, bringing a tense and frightening situation under control within minutes.
Pray for Charlie Kirk. He understood the risks and courageously put himself out there anyway. https://t.co/BkKZc6oDpi
— Dale Stark (@DaleStarkA10) September 10, 2025
🚨 BREAKING: The man who shot Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University is reportedly in custody
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) September 10, 2025
The left has declared LITERAL WAR on us.
DEMOCRATS AND THEIR VlOLENT RHETORIC OWN THIS! pic.twitter.com/wcvm3sEgFr
Kirk was quickly taken from the scene by his security personnel, and the campus was placed on lockdown. The shooting occurred around 12:10 PM local time. Authorities, including the FBI and ATF, are investigating the situation.
Who is George Hodgson Zinn?Many on social media are currently claiming that the alleged shooter is George Hodgson Zinn. Earlier reports had named Michael Mallinson, a member of the Utah Democratic Party; however, reports now state that he was misidentified. Zinn was reportedly arrested at the scene and is currently in custody. Authorities are still investigating the motive behind the attack, which has sparked widespread concern over political violence and its impact on public discourse.
Some X users have linked Zinn to a man with a Messiah complex and a history of stirring trouble in Utah’s political and religious circles. He had previously been banned from contacting LDS Church members and government officials, raising questions about whether authorities could have monitored him more closely. In 2013, Hudson was reportedly charged with a terroristic threat for an email sent to the SLC marathon.
FOX RENO 11 misidentified the Charlie Kirk shooter as Michael Mallinson.
— Wall Street Mav (@WallStreetMav) September 10, 2025
The suspect is now identified as George Hodgson Zinn, who previously was arrested in 2013 for a bomb threat at the Salt Lake City Marathon. pic.twitter.com/QJrcpg8AuO
Alleged Shooter identified as George Zinn is a man with a Messiah complex and a history of causing trouble in Utah’s political and religious circles.
— 🌸 Digi Gal ✨ (@DigitalGal_X) September 10, 2025
He had been banned from contact with the LDS Church and government officials. Authorities could have monitored him more closely. pic.twitter.com/Xwp2uZPuUq
A witness identified this man, George Zinn, as the man who was arrested today at the shooting.
— Mike Crispi (@MikeCrispi) September 10, 2025
The witness doesn’t believe Zinn had the capability to take that shot.
Is this a patsy situation?
We need answers immediately. pic.twitter.com/A1AnCru5ps
While some social media users have identified Hudson as the alleged shooter, others have come to his defense. Supporters point out that, although he has a reputation as a local troublemaker, he was reportedly standing right next to police officers before the incident, while the actual shooter was positioned about 200 metres away from the building. Authorities continue to investigate the motive and are working to verify all accounts.
Nope. George Zinn is crazy, but not that kind of crazy. Pics show him up front standing next to a cop before the shooting. The shooter was 200 meters away in another building. pic.twitter.com/fPVco4Fzft
— Patrice Pederson (@patricepederson) September 10, 2025
Word on the street is that this is George Zinn, a local troublemaker, but not the shooter. pic.twitter.com/Kh5HBOZys4
— Jean LeBœuf (@BoeufEtLiberte) September 10, 2025
Reactions from Trump and the White House
US President Donald Trump and other political leaders have condemned the shooting. Trump expressed his support for Kirk, calling him "a great guy from top to bottom" and urging prayers for his recovery. Notably, Kirk is a staunch supporter of Trump.
“We must all pray for Charlie Kirk, who has been shot. A great guy from top to bottom. GOD BLESS HIM!” - President Donald J. Trump pic.twitter.com/GqYC4QdhA1
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) September 10, 2025
Vice President J.D. Vance also offered prayers for Kirk, describing him as "a genuinely good guy and a young father." Utah Governor Spencer Cox and Senator Mike Lee have also expressed their concern and support.
Charlie Kirk is a prominent conservative activist and commentator. He founded Turning Point USA in 2012, an organisation aimed at promoting conservative values on college campuses. Kirk is known for his provocative debates and outspoken support for former President Donald Trump. He has a significant following among young conservatives and frequently appears in media discussing political issues. His "Prove Me Wrong" debate series has been a platform for engaging students in discussions on topics such as gun rights, education reform, and government spending.
Social media is currently flooded with rumours about Charlie Kirk’s condition. Some users claim he has died, while other reports suggest he is receiving a blood transfusion at a local hospital. The uncertainty has stirred widespread concern, with supporters and fans sharing messages of hope and prayers for his recovery, highlighting the deep impact the incident has had on his followers.