Gab back online after losing host over link to accused Pittsburgh gunman

Nov. 5 (UPI) -- The social media site officials say a gunman used to post anti-Semitic messages before killing 11 people at a Pittsburgh synagogue is back online after finding a new domain host.

Domain registrar startup Epik has agreed to host Gab after the site went dark last week, when host GoDaddy pulled its affiliation after the Oct. 27 shooting.

Authorities say the suspect, Robert Bowers, used Gab to post anti-Semitic messages.

Gab bills itself as a free speech and individual liberties social media platform, but has been criticized as a haven for hate speech.

Epik chief executive Rob Monster told the Seattle Times Sunday he believes in free speech and thinks Gab will be aggressive in stamping out violent rhetoric.

"I do believe the guys that are on the site are vigilant," Monster said.

Epik's CEO also said he met with Gab founder Andrew Torba before making his decision to accept the social media site.

"Although I did not take the decision lightly to accept this domain registration, I look forward to partnering with a young, and once brash, CEO who is courageously doing something that looks useful," Monster wrote.

Gab found another supporter Sunday in The Washington Post editorial board, which said the platform should be allowed to keep operating.

"If the Internet belongs to everyone, it might belong to Gab, too," the board wrote.