Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Cecil the lion hunter Walter Palmer returns to work as protesters gather outside his office

The dentist broke his silence about the controversy over the weekend

Andrew Buncombe
Tuesday 08 September 2015 14:24 BST
Comments
Walter Palmer
Walter Palmer (Reuters )

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Protesters are gathered outside the office of the US dentist at the centre of global controversy over the shooting of Cecil the lion as he today returned to work.

Walter Palmer, 55, entered his office in Minnesota without comment, the Associated Press said. He had been away from work for three months.

Over the weekend, Mr Palmer broke his silence over the controversy, telling reporters he intended to get back to work and reiterating his belief that the hunt he took part in was legal, despite claims to the contrary from the authorities in Zimbabwe.

Cecil the Lion, before he was killed by American hunter Walter Palmer
Cecil the Lion, before he was killed by American hunter Walter Palmer (AP)

Police said Sunday night it had no plans for officers to pay any special attention to Palmer’s River Bluff Dental office. However the Star Tribune said a small police presence was there as employees and daybreak arrived.

The department has been maintaining an outside surveillance camera in the area.

“Hopefully, this will die out and we can move on,” Deputy Police Chief Mike Hartley said Tuesday morning.

“We have a plan in place [if necessary]. Things have been very peaceful.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in