WATCH: A Taliban video shows the dramatic handover of U.S. Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, who was released in exchange for five Guantanamo detainees. The exchange was a controversial move that some members of U.S. Congress say was illegal. Robin Stickley reports.
HAILEY, Idaho – The small hometown of released captive Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl has cancelled plans for a celebration later this month, citing security concerns after the town in Idaho was inundated with negative emails and angry phone calls.
Organizers released a statement Wednesday saying that because of media attention on Bergdahl’s story, they expect a significant increase in the number of people planning to attend the event – some to protest, and others to support the Bergdahl family. The organizers said that the town, with just 8,000 people, doesn’t have the infrastructure to support a big event.
Bergdahl, 28, had been held prisoner by the Taliban since June 30, 2009. He was handed over to U.S. special forces by the Taliban in exchange for the release of five Afghan detainees held by the United States at Guantanamo Bay.
Questions remain about the events that led to his capture, with some critics calling Bergdahl a deserter.
Hailey Police Chief Jeff Gunter said the event has been misrepresented in the national media, leading people to think it’s some sort of hero’s welcome.
“If you had 10,000 people, 5,000 on one side and 5,000 on the other, then just due to the national attention we don’t know what to expect,” Gunter said.
The town has had an event called “Bring Bowe Back” for several years. That commemoration of his capture was scheduled for June 28, but when news of Bergdahl’s release broke, organizers quickly announced it would be a welcome home party instead.
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