I'm just going on record that defacing property and death threats is not cool.
I've received some implications and even outright accusations that my social media activism on the story of Walter Palmer and Cecil the lion is in some way related to this treatment of Walter Palmer and his family. That I am a part of this internet lynch mob.
And I wish to clarify something on the record.
It is true that I did lead hundreds of thousands to engage on this issue, but from the beginning I choose to do so in a deliberate and responsible manner. And I will continue to use the internet to rally people to causes I feel passionately about—like wildlife conservation—but responsibly.
I received Walter Palmer's home address very early in the story and chose not to share it. I never encouraged nor condone some of the uglier treatment that Walter Palmer has been subjected to. I have never tweeted nor retweeted nor posted anything that could be in anyway construed as a threat of violence or call for vigilantism toward him.
I started The White House petition (now up to 231,000 signatures) because I wanted Walter Palmer dealt with by rule of law, with respect for his right to due process. I never encouraged, nor do I condone vigilante terrorism directed at him personally—nor to his family.
I believe Cecil the lion deserves justice, but we, the outraged, are obligated to seek it through peaceful, legal, civilized process.
What we know is Zimbabwe authorities says Walter Palmer's hunt was illegal, Palmer says it was not.
I encourage people to trust that the US Department of Justice and the State Department will do what is correct in concert with the Zimbabwe government. Wheels are turning, the hunt is being investigated. It may take awhile, as matters of this importance require thoughtful investigation and deliberation. Be patient. Trust the system. (I know that is hard.)