Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl's 'safety and health' were in jeopardy, Hagel says
WASHINGTON (KABC) -- Officials had to act swiftly in the release of Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl because his "safety and health were both in jeopardy," Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said Sunday.
Bergdahl has arrived at a U.S. military base in Germany, where he'll receive medical care. He was said to be in good condition and was able to walk.
Two Republican lawmakers, Rep. Howard "Buck" McKeon of California and Sen. James Inhofe of Oklahoma, said President Barack Obama violated U.S. law when he approved the exchange of prisoners without notifying Congress 30 days in advance.
In response, the White House said that officials considered what they called "unique and exigent circumstances" and decided to go ahead with the transfer in spite of the legal requirement.
Hagel said the action was not relayed to Congress because of its urgency. He said intelligence indicated that Bergdahl's "health was deteriorating."
Nearly five years after his capture by insurgents in Afghanistan, Bergdahl was freed Saturday. His release came as the result of secret negotiations between the U.S. and the Taliban, with the government of Qatar serving as the go-between.
Mr. Obama agreed to release five high-level Afghan detainees from the U.S. prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, in exchange for Bergdahl's release. Qatar is taking custody of the afghan detainees.
Bergdahl was the only American prisoner of the Afghan war.
"While Bowe was gone, he was never forgotten," Mr. Obama said from the White House Rose Garden, where he was joined by Bergdahl's parents. "The United States of America does not ever leave our men and women in uniform behind."
Bergdahl's parents, Bob and Jani, led a tireless campaign to keep their son's story in the public eye. They were expected to hold a news conference Sunday in their hometown of Hailey, Idaho, where residents were planning a homecoming celebration for the soldier.
The circumstances surrounding Bergdahl's capture remain murky. There has been some speculation that he willingly walked away from his unit, raising the question of whether he could be charged with being absent without leave or desertion.
Hagel declined to say whether he believes Bergdahl was attempting to desert the Army or go AWOL when he walked away from his unit and disappeared.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
