Estimated reading time: 0 minutes
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.”
SEE ALSO: The S&W M&P K-Frame – A Classic Six Gun
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?
*** Buy and Sell on GunsAmerica! ***
is a seasoned outdoorsman, lifelong hunter, and the kind of guy who’d rather track whitetails than scroll social media. As an editor for GunsAmerica, he’s got a sharp eye for spotting both solid gear and bad gun laws. Whether he’s deep in the woods or deep in editorial deadlines, Larry brings a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is approach to firearms, hunting, and the great American tradition of self-reliance. If there’s a hot debate on gun rights or the latest in hunting tech, you can bet Larry’s got an opinion—and it’s probably backed up with both facts and field experience.
Experience:
– Licensed Bowhunter, Hunter, and Trapper – Experienced in ethical hunting and wildlife conservation.
– Concealed Carry Permit Holder (NYS & AZ) – Trained and licensed to carry in multiple states.
– 2A Journalist – Covering firearms legislation, Second Amendment issues, and gun rights for over a decade.
– Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) – Certified to provide emergency medical care in the field.
– Field-Tested Gear Reviewer – Hands-on experience with firearms, optics, and hunting tech.
Bizarre, irrational and downright goulish. I’m going to make an AI of Thomas Crooks, promoting… uh…
I did not do this. Though it is tragic, it was not me, or my guns. You cannot have them. I will not surrender them. pERIOD. yOU WANT THIS TO STOP, START EDITING OUT THE VIOLENCE IN A CHILD S LIFE BY CURBING ULTRA VIOLENT VIDEO GAMES AND GANSTER RAP, AND SHOOT’EM UP EVERYTHING ON TV AND VIDEO. It’s not the guns, or the people’s right to own them. OR what type, scary features or not. It’s the Media, and entertainment industry’s non stop saturation of violence, along with the hatred spewed nonstop by the left wing media that is to blame.You want to fix it? Fix this shitty country. Fix our brainwashed kids. Restore morals and honor in our people. This will all stop. And if someone is stupid enough to do this crap, we should ruthlessly hunt them down in silence and end them, and their whole genetic line without a word to the public. No fame, no glory, no bylines. Just fucking end them.
guns dont kill people do arewe outlawing cars alcohol pot and other drugs that kill no these liberals legalize more deadlier dope so stick in your lane libtard
No matter how noble the intentions, this is macabre and in poor taste. The people giving this ghoulish stunt a platform should be ashamed.
Dude posting your pronouns is like so 2022.
And it was never cool.
Imagine if the tech driven false images of victims who were violently murdered by illegal aliens was used to gain support for the crack down by INS. Wrong is wrong, cheers for you to call out against this left-wing political posturing. No doubt the father wants his son remembered with much honor, but this is NOT the way.
it’s not him speaking, but the anti gun community speaking which is fraud at the very least.