In light of screenshots recovered from Pittsburgh shooter Robert Bowers, Gab.com has been under fire as a platform for radical ideologies. Its strong stance on being the hub for free speech appealed to those whose voices felt silenced under more mainstream social media platforms such as YouTube and Twitter.
After the Tree of Life shooting, website registrar GoDaddy pulled out support for Gab, and Gab's website shut down. When trying to enter the website after Oct. 28, a two-paragraph statement popped up. In the first paragraph, Gab stated that it is "under attack," "systematically no-platformed by App Stores, multiple hosting providers, and several processors," and "streamed by the mainstream media for defending free expression and individual liberty for all people." Despite this backlash, the statement noted that "Gab will continue to fight for the fundamental human right to speak freely."
Despite the 11 deaths and multiple injuries resulting from the shooting, Gab is focusing on how the shooting hurt their relationship with various companies rather than the lives of those affected by the shooting. As of Oct. 29, Gab's website displays a lengthier statement from CEO Andrew Torba.
"No-platform us all you want. Ban us all you want. Smear us all you want...You can't stop an idea [of free speech and liberty.]"
It is unsure when, if ever, Gab will be back. In the meantime, the rest of us are left to grapple with the dilemma of how to move forward with the First Amendment in the digital age.
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