Manuel and Patricia Oliver, the parents of Joaquin Oliver, a victim of the 2018 Parkland high school shooting, have developed an AI representation of their deceased son, which participated in a groundbreaking interview with journalist Jim Acosta on August 4, coinciding with what would have been Joaquin’s 25th birthday.
During the interview, which was shared on Acosta’s Substack, the animated version of Oliver engaged in discussions about pressing issues, particularly gun violence and the need for stronger gun control measures. “I believe in a mix of stronger gun control laws, mental health support, and community engagement,” the AI version of Oliver articulated. He emphasized the importance of creating safe environments for meaningful conversations and fostering a culture of kindness.
The conversation also ventured into lighter topics, as Acosta discussed basketball and films with the AI representation of Oliver, showcasing a blend of both serious and casual dialogue. Manuel Oliver explained the motivation behind creating the AI, noting the desire to hear his son’s voice again, particularly for his wife, Patricia, who cherishes moments of connection with Joaquin, saying, “Like any other mother, she loves to hear Joaquin saying, ‘I love you, mommy.’”
Additionally, Manuel expressed the aim of using Joaquin’s AI voice to contribute to the ongoing dialogue surrounding gun safety, suggesting that this technology can amplify their advocacy efforts. “Now, Joaquin is going to start having followers… He’s going to start uploading videos. This is just the beginning,” he stated, indicating a hopeful approach to harnessing technology for meaningful advocacy.
The AI version of Joaquin Oliver was introduced a year after a previous campaign, The Shotline, utilized AI to recreate the voices of six gun violence victims, including Joaquin, to call for greater accountability from lawmakers. Manuel Oliver remains a passionate advocate for gun control, notably interrupting President Joe Biden during a speech in 2022 to voice his concerns about insufficient legislative measures.
This innovative use of AI not only preserves Joaquin’s memory but also serves as a means to elevate important conversations about gun safety and policy reform, illustrating how technology can be employed for advocacy and healing.