On Monday, liberal journalist Jim Acosta interviewed an artificially animated avatar of Joaquin Oliver, the teenager killed in the 2018 Parkland school shooting, to promote a gun control message.
The virtual conversation, hosted on Acosta’s Substack, was produced in partnership with Change the Ref, a gun control group founded by Oliver’s parents. The avatar—created by Joaquin’s father—spoke on what would have been the young man’s 25th birthday.
“I would like to know what your solution would be for gun violence,” Acosta asked.
“Great question,” the avatar responded. “I believe in a mix of stronger gun control laws, mental health support, and community engagement… It’s about building a culture of kindness and understanding. What do you think of that?”
“I think that’s a great idea, Joaquin,” Acosta replied.
The exchange drifted into lighter territory — favorite sports teams, movies, and TV shows — with the avatar’s tone alternating between flatly robotic and oddly exuberant.
“Star Wars is such an epic saga,” the avatar declared at one point. “The adventures, the characters, and that iconic music are unforgettable.”
Viewers flooded the live chat with reactions—some calling the encounter “creepy,” “weird,” or “unsettling.” Others saw it as an emotional, if unorthodox, tribute.
Afterward, Acosta spoke to Oliver’s father, Manuel.
“I understand that this is AI,” Manuel Oliver said, saying he wasn’t trying to truly bring his son back. “Sadly, I can’t. However, the technology is out there. I can hear his voice again.”
“He’s a symbol of something that is deeply, deeply wrong with this country,” Acosta later said, referring to gun violence that’s killed youths like Oliver. “People give up, and I think something like this is maybe going to give some people some hope, that we should keep charging, keep pushing for this.”
Watch the clip below:
Jim Acosta hits a new low… Interview an ai version of a dead kid in order to push gun control!!!
What the hell is wrong with this guy??
Like Seriously who told him this was a good idea. pic.twitter.com/OlnnHNjSuM
— kevin smith (@kevin_smith45) August 5, 2025
