With graduation season underway, a recent firearm complaint involving Strathmore High School has drawn renewed attention to "Senior Assassin" — a game that Strathmore RCMP say is circulating among graduating students across Canada.
Strathmore RCMP said they received a report of a firearm at Strathmore High School shortly before noon on Friday, May 23.
"Based on the information provided, RCMP advised the school, and other buildings in the area, to initiate lockdown procedures," the detachment said in a statement.
RCMP arrived at the scene and quickly located the suspect.
The suspect was "taken into custody without incident," according to RCMP.
"Initial investigation has revealed that there was never a threat to anyone," the release stated. "The suspect was carrying a water pistol and was partaking in the 'Senior Assassin' game which has been circulating amongst graduating students across Canada."
"Although an innocent game, RCMP is reminding those partaking, please be mindful that someone witnessing this or driving by could perceive a water gun to be a real firearm," the detachment stated. "Please be cautious and safe."
The investigation continues.
While the May 23 incident in Strathmore led to a police response and lockdown, Airdrie RCMP confirmed last week they have not received any complaints related to the game and do not view it as a risk to the public.
"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 stated in a May 21 email to DiscoverAirdrie.
Players typically attempt to eliminate one another using water or foam-dart weapons, often while tracking their targets through social media or group chats. Police say it may unfold in residential streets, driveways or parking lots.
The Calgary Police Service stated 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." It did not name the game directly and said it is not aware of any major incidents.
"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 added. "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."
Police in other jurisdictions have reported similar concerns.
In an April 23 release, the Winnipeg Police Service said the game has led to 911 calls from residents.
"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."
The London Police Service said it responded to multiple reports from bystanders who mistook imitation firearms 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 said it has also responded to incidents involving students playing the game in public.
"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."
HRPS warned that players could face consequences "up to and including criminal charges," and encouraged families to discuss the risks.
As of May 20, Airdrie RCMP said they had not received any complaints related to the game.
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