As the spring season arrives, so does a tradition among high school seniors across the country. A game known as ‘Senior Assassins,’ which involves students hunting and tagging each other with water guns, has become a popular pastime.
However, not everyone views this game in a positive light.
Multiple police departments have voiced concerns about the potential for serious consequences, including the risk of deadly misunderstandings.
In the ‘Senior Assassins’ game, participants are each given a target, another player whom they must ‘eliminate’ using a water gun. The last player standing is declared the winner.
The game rules usually stipulate that school grounds and classrooms are off-limits, pushing the activity into public spaces where unsuspecting bystanders can easily misinterpret the situation.
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The main issue arises from the fact that water guns can often look like real weapons, especially from a distance or in low-light conditions. This has led to numerous calls to police from worried residents reporting suspicious activities.
In some cases, these calls have resulted in significant police responses. Law enforcement officers cannot immediately discern whether the reported activities are part of a game or a genuine threat.
A Dangerous Misunderstanding
In a recent incident reported by the Gurnee Police Department in Illinois, a group of students entered a local restaurant wearing ski masks and brandishing water guns that resembled real firearms.
They intended to spray other students who were dining inside. However, an adult diner who was a concealed carry license holder misinterpreted the situation as a real threat. The situation could have easily escalated into something more dangerous.
“It’s my understanding that he was in the process of pulling out the weapon, and it was displayed,” Gurnee Det. Shawn Gaylor told ABC Chicago.
The Increasing Number of Concealed Carry License Holders and Constitutional Carry
Another factor exacerbating the risk is the increasing number of individuals who possess a Concealed Carry License (CCL), and in states like Florida, Constitutional Carry is legal.
These individuals have the legal right to carry concealed firearms for self-defense. Therefore, when they encounter situations that appear threatening, such as students running around with water guns, they may respond in a way that could lead to dire consequences.
In light of these concerns, multiple police departments have issued warnings about the ‘Senior Assassins’ game.
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They have urged students to consider the perception of an uninformed resident who sees a person rapidly displaying a replica firearm in a populated area.
Such actions could be viewed as ‘Alarming and Disturbing’, which could be elements of a criminal offense or local ordinance violation – Disorderly Conduct.
Police and school district leaders have called on parents to discuss with their kids the consequences of carrying something that looks like a real weapon.
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