In a bizarre and controversial move, the parents of Joaquin Oliver—a student killed in the 2018 Parkland school shooting—have created an AI version of their late son to promote gun control.
On what would have been Oliver’s 25th birthday, a digital recreation of him appeared in an interview with former CNN host Jim Acosta, discussing gun violence and advocating for stricter firearm laws.
“I was taken from this world too soon due to gun violence while at school,” the AI said during the pre-recorded chat. “We need to create safe spaces… build a culture of kindness and understanding.”
Acosta, who’s already no stranger to controversy, nodded along as the synthetic voice promoted gun control and social solutions, replying, “That’s a great idea, Joaquin.”
But critics aren’t buying it—and they’re speaking out fast.
Acosta quickly shut off comments on X, likely in anticipation of the blowback. But over on BlueSky, users didn’t hold back. Top comments described the AI stunt as “manipulative,” “disgusting,” and “gross.”
Straight Arrow News also interviewed a college professor and psychologist, who voiced serious hesitation about the implications of the project.
“Should people be allowed to use this kind of AI? Maybe. But having your dead son speak on matters of public policy?” he said. “It’s kind of a wild idea.”
The psychologist stopped short of condemning the parents, acknowledging that grief is complicated.
Joaquin’s father appeared in the segment and defended the project, saying he’s not trying to bring his son back—just using available tools.
“I understand that this is AI,” he said. “I don’t want anyone to think I’m trying to bring my son back. I wish I could… but I can’t.”
Dad Hits Back At Critics Slamming Jim Acosta Talk With AI Model of Slain Son: ‘You Have The Wrong Problem’https://t.co/aKIhJnUejG pic.twitter.com/Cc0GVsLtuH
— Tommy moderna-vaX-Topher (@tommyxtopher) August 5, 2025
But his remarks didn’t stop the wave of criticism directed at both the use of the AI and the decision to pair it with a politically charged interview format.
Perhaps most unsettling of all: this is only the beginning. Joaquin’s parents say they plan to continue releasing content featuring the AI version of their son.
That news has sparked further concern across the pro-2A community and beyond. Critics argue the tactic weaponizes tragedy in an emotionally manipulative way—sidestepping debate and creating an illusion of consent from someone who isn’t alive to speak for himself.
It’s one thing to grieve publicly. It’s another to turn a digital ghost into a mouthpiece for modern politics.
This development raises uncomfortable—but necessary—questions.
Should AI versions of the dead weigh in on laws that affect the living? And if this becomes the norm, what happens to real debate, real voices, and real consent?
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