HAILEY, Idaho (AP) — The mayor of the hometown of a recently released U.S. soldier is urging Americans not to judge Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl (boh BURG’-dahl) until all the facts are in.

Hailey, Idaho, Mayor Fritz Haemmerle released a written statement Monday saying the city has been inundated with phone calls and emails. They’re from people on opposite sides of a national debate about whether Bergdahl should be hailed as a hero or tried in court as a deserter, or worse.

The city is holding a celebration of Bergdahl’s release later this month — just as it has held annual rallies of support since he became a prisoner of the Taliban in 2009.

The mayor says the negative emails raise some important points. But he asks that people not pre-judge Bergdahl, and instead wait for any investigation to unfold.

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