Former Alaska governor Sarah Palin has attacked as a “blood libel” suggestions that political rhetoric contributed to the fatal shootings in Arizona.
Ms Palin, tipped as a possible 2012 presidential runner, hit out at “irresponsible statements” apportioning “blame for this terrible event”.
Her remarks came as new details emerged about the attack, in which six were killed and a congresswoman wounded.
Jared Loughner, 22, has been jailed pending trial in the attack.
The video statement from the 2008 vice-presidential candidate came on the same day President Barack Obama is to fly to Arizona to attend a service honouring victims of the attack.
Ms Palin has been criticised for using an online graphic containing cross hairs symbols that marked Democratic districts she targeted for defeat in the recent US mid term elections.
Among the districts targeted was that of Gabrielle Giffords of Arizona, who was gravely injured on Saturday in the attack at a constituency outreach meeting at a Tucson shopping centre.
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