HAMLET — School system administrators are warning students and parents about risks associated with the so-called “senior assassin” game.
“We have been made aware that students are participating in the game commonly known as Senior Assassin,” reads a post from the Richmond County Schools Facebook page. “We understand that this is meant to be a harmless game among seniors involving water guns, but it can quickly create safety issues and other concerns.”
The game has reportedly been popular across the nation for more than a decade and involves high school seniors squirting each other with water guns to “assassinate” the target.
The game reportedly also goes by other names, including “senior splashin’,”Senior Water Wars,” and “Paranoia.”
“Students are reminded that weapons or anything resembling a weapon are not allowed on the campus of any Richmond County Schools campus or Richmond CC including water guns,” reads the post.
School officials say they have received reports of students going to local businesses and “approaching student employees while they are working as part of this game,” as well as entering homes of classmates “unannounced.”
“Activities like this can be disruptive to businesses and create situations that quickly cross the line from fun to legal consequences,” reads the post. “Local law enforcement has contacted the district and asked that we remind students that poor decisions connected to these types of activities can quickly lead to students facing criminal charges.”
WBTV recently reported that an 18-year-old student at South Irredell High School in Troutman was charged with disorderly conduct after a “realistic-looking” water gun was used in the game, prompting the school to be placed on lockdown.
“We ask that parents and families talk with their students about the risks involved with participating in activities like this and to make sure any decisions prioritize safety and good judgment,” the district concluded.
