Congressman Allen West Didn't Pack Heat at Chamber Breakfast; For Another Occasion, Maybe

At a West Boca Chamber of Commerce breakfast Tuesday, Congressman Allen West, an Army veteran, was asked if he was packing heat. After all, the Senate's sergeant at arms has warned all members of Congress to stay watchful and take threats seriously.

According to a CBS12 story, at first West replied, "No, I can't tell you that." Later he said, "No, I'm not" carrying a weapon.

West said he decides whether to pack a pistol by the crowd he's around -- and the chamber folks are friendly types.

Nevertheless, two Palm Beach County Sheriff's deputies were in attendance. CBS12 said he asked both Palm Beach and Broward Sheriff's officials to provide protection at his events -- because he's worried about his constituents' safety, not so much his own.

In answer to his critics who claim his outspoken "rhetoric" is too violent, West says he has no intention of behaving differently.

"My background is I'm a tough guy," he told CBS12. "In tough times, you use stronger language when you start talking about the future and legacy of my country."