Former CNN host Jim Acosta said Monday that he had conducted an interview with an AI-generated version of Joaquin Oliver, a victim of the 2018 Parkland school shooting.
The Broward County Sheriff’s Office identified Oliver as one of the victims killed in a horrific mass shooting in Parkland, Fla. In a social media post, Acosta promoted the show and asked everyone to stay tuned.
“A show you don’t want to miss at 4p ET / 1p PT. I’ll be having a one-of-a-kind interview with Joaquin Oliver. He died in the Parkland school shooting in 2018. But his parents have created an AI version of their son to deliver a powerful message on gun violence. Plus Texas State Rep. @jamestalarico – see you soon on Substack and later on YouTube,” Acosta wrote.
A show you don’t want to miss at 4p ET / 1p PT. I’ll be having a one of a kind interview with Joaquin Oliver. He died in the Parkland school shooting in 2018. But his parents have created an AI version of their son to deliver a powerful message on gun violence. Plus Texas State… pic.twitter.com/mbdM2WxwUR
— Jim Acosta (@Acosta) August 4, 2025
The interview was later shared on Substack. During the interview, Acosta asked the AI version of Oliver about different topics.
“I appreciate your curiosity. I was taken from this world too soon due to gun violence while at school. It’s important to talk about these issues so we can create a safer future for everyone,” the AI version of Oliver said when Acosta asked what happened to him.
Acosta proceeded to ask the simulated Oliver for his solution to gun violence.
“Great question. 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,” Oliver said.
The segment quickly pivoted from policy to personal interests. Acosta asked the AI about hobbies, sports, and favorite movies. The virtual Joaquin expressed his love for basketball and said he supported the Miami Heat. He named LeBron James as a favorite player, praised the film “Remember the Titans,” and discussed Star Wars characters like Luke Skywalker and Yoda.
“They both show that anyone can rise to greatness no matter where they start,” the AI said.
Acosta announced in January that he is leaving CNN after nearly 18 years at the network. He announced the decision at the end of his program, adding he chose to step away after CNN attempted to move his show to a midnight time slot.
Acosta served as CNN’s chief White House correspondent during President Donald Trump’s first term, where he gained national attention for his frequent clashes with Trump and his staff. In one incident in 2018, the White House suspended his press credentials after he refused to hand over a microphone to a staffer during a press conference.
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