Rand Paul Praises Slain Sniper as a Hero

Shows support after controversial tweet from his father

Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) on Monday showed his support for the family of former U.S. Navy SEAL sniper Chris Kyle, who was killed Saturday at a shooting range, coming after Paul's father, former Rep. Ron Paul, sent a controversial tweet about his death.

Authorities charged Eddie Ray Routh, 25, with the murder of Kyle and his friend Chad Littlefield, during the weekend. The men were at a Texas shooting range, which Kyle used to help some veterans cope with post traumatic stress disorder.

Rand Paul issued a statement Monday to Breitbart News saying: "Chris Kyle was a hero like all Americans who don the uniform to defend our country. Our prayers are with his family during this tragic time."