Perry calls Gadhafi's death 'good news,' wants 'active role' for US in Libya

Rick Perry called the death of former Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi "good news" for Libya and said America needs to take an "active role" in securing the weapons Gadhafi's troops had stockpiled.

"The death of Muammar el-Qaddafi is good news for the people of Libya. It should bring the end of conflict there, and help them move closer to elections and a real democracy," Perry said in a statement.

"The United States should work closely with Libya to ensure the transition is successful, and that a stable, peaceful nation emerges," the presidential candidate and Texas governor continued. "The U.S. must also take an active role in ensuring the security of any remaining stockpiles of Qaddafi's weapons. These weapons pose a real danger to the United States and our allies, and we cannot help secure them through simple observation."

It is unclear what exactly Perry means by an "active role," and Perry's campaign did not immediately return requests for comment, but the statement sounds an interventionist tone that could separate Perry from some of the other GOP presidential candidates.

Gadhafi was killed in his hometown of Sirte in a bombing raid, leading to celebrations around Libya.