GOP: Fanatics' bullets don't shape U.S.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 15 (UPI) -- The United States' future won't be shaped by "the bullets of fanatics," Rep. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., said in his party's weekly address Saturday.

Referring to last Saturday's shooting spree in Tucson that killed six people and injured 13 others, Flake said citizens shouldn't "let this inhumane act cow us," The Hill reported.

Jared Loughner is accused of opening fire on an outdoor meeting hosted by Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, D-Ariz. She remains hospitalized with a bullet wound to her head.

Flake said such attacks on government officials wouldn't change the country's course.

"The freedom and wisdom of the people determine our future, not the whims of dictators and certainly not the bullets of fanatics," he said.

Similarly, Democratic President Barack Obama skirted political issues in his weekly address and said the United States will "carry on because we have to."