In the wake of the shocking and sad news about the mass murder that took place in Las Vegas on the evening of Oct. 1, Libertarian Party Chair Nicholas Sarwark offered his thoughts of empathy for the victims, as well as their family and friends:

Eight years ago I had one of the happiest days of my life at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. Surrounded by friends and family, I married Valerie Sarwark.

Waking up to the news that more than fifty people were murdered in a place so full of life and joy is beyond shocking.

My heart goes out to those who lost friends and family last night in Las Vegas, many of them having one of the happiest days of their lives.

Freedom gives us the opportunity to pursue happiness as we choose, but doesn’t give us control or the ability to eliminate evil. What we can do is love each other and try to put more good into the world than bad.