Former Congressman Ron Paul tried to explain his controversial comments this morning that the shooting death of an Iraq veteran suggested that “he who lives by the sword dies by the sword.”

“As a veteran, I certainly recognize that this weekend’s violence and killing of Chris Kyle were a tragic and sad event,” Paul explained in a message on his official Facebook page. “My condolences and prayers go out to Mr. Kyle’s family.” Paul indicated that the entire Iraq war was a tragedy for America, which led to tragic consequences.

“Unconstitutional and unnecessary wars have endless unintended consequences,” he continued. “A policy of non-violence, as Christ preached, would have prevented this and similar tragedies.”

The Facebook was signed with the former congressman’s initials “REP.”