Former CNN chief White House correspondent Jim Acosta conducted an interview with an AI-generated avatar of Joaquin Oliver, one of the 17 victims killed in the 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.
The interview aired on Acosta’s YouTube show and featured the first public conversation with the interactive AI version of Joaquin, created by his parents, Manuel and Patricia Oliver. The appearance coincided with what would have been Joaquin’s 25th birthday.
Acosta asked the AI about his solution for gun violence in America, to which it replied, “I believe in a mix of stronger gun control laws, mental health support and community engagement. We need to create safe spaces for conversations and connections, making sure everyone feels seen and heard. It’s about building a culture of kindness and understanding.”
“Though my life was cut short, I want to keep inspiring others to connect and advocate for change,” the avatar added.
Acosta also spoke with the AI about personal topics, such as Joaquin’s favorite sports, the movie Remember the Titans, and Star Wars. The journalist then interviewed Joaquin’s father, saying he was “speechless” at the technology.
“It was so insightful. I really felt like I was speaking with Joaquin. It’s just a beautiful thing,” Acosta said.
Manuel Oliver has been outspoken about gun control and said bringing “AI Joaquin to life” would “create more impact.” Manuel explained that the AI is trained on information found online as well as things Oliver wrote and posted online.
“I understand that this is AI. I don’t want anyone to think that I am, in some way, trying to bring my son back,” he said. “Sadly, I can’t, right? I wish I could. However, the technology is out there.”
He added that the AI has also served as a way for him and his wife to still hear their son’s voice.
“Patricia will spend hours asking questions,” he explained. “Like any other mother, she loves to hear Joaquin saying, ‘I love you, Mommy.’”
The family plans to continue using the AI version of their son to advance discussions on gun control.
“Now, Joaquin is going to start having followers… He’s going to start uploading videos. This is just the beginning,” Manuel said, even adding that he envisions the AI version appearing “on stage in the middle of a debate.”
