Rep. Allen West says that self-appointed neighborhood watchman George Zimmerman had no authorization to take action against the 17-year-old Trayvon Martin. The events that lead to Martin’s death have officials second-guessing Florida’s ‘stand your ground’ law. West, who is based in Florida, argued the the law “does not apply whatsoever” in the Martin case. Talking Points Memo reports:

George Zimmerman, in his role as neighborhood watch of a gated suburban community in Florida, had “no authorization” to take action against 17-year-old Trayvon Martin, Rep. Allen West (R-FL) told TPM Friday. “This is a self-made head of a community neighborhood watch. That’s where my concern is.”

Zimmerman claims he shot Martin — who was only carrying a bag of Skittles and a can of iced tea — in self defense. The shooting has renewed debate over Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” law, which allows the use of deadly force if a person feels threatened.

West said the Florida law “does not apply whatsoever” to the Martin case, because Zimmerman was not being pursued by Martin. Anti-gun lobbyists shouldn’t use the legislation to score political points, West added, without commenting on the law further.

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