A county commissioner in Blaine County, Idaho, is asking critics of Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl to give Bergdahl's hometown some space. That includes members of the media. The commissioner says the town of Hailey is tired of being the target of peopleâs âmisguided rageâ over the former POW.
County Commissioner Larry Shoen says not only the Bergdahl family but some community members have received personal threats.
For nearly five years, Hailey, Idaho, was draped in yellow ribbons and "Bring Bowe Home" signs.
Since Bergdahlâs release, the town has been caught up in the controversy about whether Bergdahl walked away from his post in 2009.
Shoen said the community supports the return of its native son to his family. Shoen asked that the military justice system be allowed to take its course. And he urged reporters stop bothering people in town.
"I think people have answered all the questions, have expressed themselves honestly and forthrightly, but I think it's time to get back to normal life," he said.
Hailey canceled its planned welcome home celebration amid the backlash over Bergdahl's release. Meanwhile, a new Gallup poll shows that half of Americans don't have an opinion about the 28-year-old Army sergeant. Most of those who do have a negative view.
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