Multiple police departments across the country are warning parents and community members about a potentially deadly nationwide high school student game called “Senior Assassin.” In this game, participants are given another player’s name and tasked with hunting and tagging them, usually with a water gun, until there is a single winner. While not against the law, the game’s public nature and potential misconceptions of water gun weapons could have deadly consequences. Students often play in public spaces, leading to concerns about bystanders mistaking water guns for real firearms.
Police in towns like Arlington Heights, Illinois are issuing warnings about the dangers of the game, emphasizing the importance of playing safely and being mindful of how their actions may be perceived by the community. The use of water guns could lead to serious consequences if bystanders mistake them for real guns. In addition, playing in public spaces, rather than on school grounds, can further complicate situations and raise concerns among residents who may not be aware of the game’s rules.
Other police departments in Illinois, such as Gurnee and Bartlett, are also warning residents about the potential risks associated with the game. Incidents involving students wearing ski masks and carrying water guns that resemble firearms have already caused alarm and potential escalation of dangerous situations. The depiction of firearms, whether real or imitation, in public settings is being highlighted as a matter of concern, and community members are being urged to report any suspicious activities to the authorities.
The Gurnee Police Department shared an incident where a group of high school students entered a restaurant wearing ski masks and displaying water guns that resembled firearms. An adult, who was a concealed carry holder, mistook the situation for a genuine threat, potentially leading to serious consequences. The seriousness of such situations cannot be emphasized enough, and community members are being urged to reconsider their participation in activities that could instill fear among the public.
The game is set to begin on Sunday, April 14, in some areas, prompting increased vigilance from law enforcement and concern from residents who have reported suspicious activities involving participants wearing masks, hoodies, and driving on lawns. Police departments are reminding players to play responsibly and follow the rules of the game to avoid any potential misunderstandings that could lead to serious consequences. The importance of staying aware of one’s surroundings and reporting any unusual activities to authorities is stressed as a way to prevent misunderstandings and ensure public safety during the game.
