A high school game involving water or foam dart guns is making headlines in other parts of Canada — and while Airdrie RCMP say there's no cause for concern locally, parents may still want to be aware of what's happening elsewhere.
The game, often called "Senior Assassin," involves high school students attempting to "eliminate" one another using water or Nerf-style toy guns.
According to police in London, Winnipeg, and the Halton (Ontario) Region, gameplay typically unfolds in public areas such as driveways, streets, and parking lots, and often involves players tracking their targets through group chats or social media. The Halton Regional Police Service noted the game has involved both elementary and high school students in their jurisdiction.
In an email to DiscoverAirdrie, Airdrie RCMP stated: "We do not see this as a risk to the public. There is no plans at this time to issue a public advisory." The detachment also confirmed it has not received any calls for the game.
In a separate email statement to DiscoverAirdrie, the Calgary Police Service said it is aware of "a game involving replica or toy firearms currently trending on social media that is being played by young people across Calgary." The Service did not name the game directly and noted it is not aware of any major incidents that have resulted in police reports.
"Our School Resource Officers continue to work with school administrators and staff to monitor the trend, provide awareness to parents/guardians and the community, and ensure Calgary schools remain a safe environment for students," CPS stated.
"We remind anyone in Calgary currently playing this game... to be mindful of the alarm and very real victimization replica firearms can cause to the community," CPS stated. "In a split second, replica firearms, toy firearms, airsoft guns and pellet guns can be easily mistaken for real firearms, creating a significant public safety risk." The Service also advised students to avoid sharing their location during gameplay and encouraged parents to talk with children about digital safety, including risks of sharing locations during gameplay.
In an April 23 media release, the Winnipeg Police Service said the game — played primarily by graduating students — has led to calls from residents who mistook the activity for a real threat.
"The resurgence of this social media trend can add unnecessary strain on police resources," the WPS stated. "All 'gun' calls, real or perceived, elicit a heightened police response and are investigated."
Police in Ontario have reported similar incidents. In an April 28 media release, the London Police Service said officers responded to multiple calls after bystanders mistook imitation firearms used in the game for real weapons.
"Some of the toy guns we have located on the youth playing the game have been very realistic and resembled real firearms," said Inspector Pete Testa of the London Police Service. "Our officers respond to firearm-related calls that involve the use of both real and imitation firearms... it creates a great concern for not only public safety, but our officers' safety as well."
The Halton Regional Police Service issued its own public statement following incidents earlier this spring. In a media release, the Service said the game had prompted police response after being misinterpreted as an active threat.
"The 'assassinations' can take place in a variety of settings, in public, during daylight and/or evening hours," HRPS stated. "Some of the guns used have resembled real firearms. In many instances, observers – unaware the game is being played – have contacted police."
The Service warned that participants could face consequences "up to and including criminal charges," and encouraged families to talk about the risks.
Sign up to get the latest local news headlines delivered directly to your inbox every afternoon.
Send your news tips, story ideas, pictures, and videos to news@discoverairdrie.com. You can also message and follow us on Twitter: @AIR1061FM.
DiscoverAirdrie encourages you to get your news directly from your trusted source by bookmarking this page and downloading the DiscoverAirdrie app.