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California's Tea Party: Don't Blame Movement For Arizona Shooting

SACRAMENTO (AP) ― The Tea Party Express said blaming the constitutionalist movement and Sarah Palin for the Arizona shooting that killed six people and wounded U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords is "outrageous."

The California-based group said liberals are trying to exploit the shooting for political gain and place the blame on society for embracing the tea party movement, but the 22-year-old charged in the shooting is the only person responsible for the violence.

In a statement Monday, the Tea Party Express said if the suspect, Jared Loughner, has a definable political ideology, it is that of a far-left anarchist, nothing close to the tea party movement.

The group said some were quick to attack the tea party in an effort to demean and diminish support for the movement, but the tea party seeks change through peaceful means.

>> CBS News Complete Coverage: Arizona Shooting Rampage

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