Strathmore RCMP say a complaint of a firearm at Strathmore High School led officers to advise the school and nearby buildings to enter lockdown on Friday. The suspect was later found to be carrying a water pistol as part of the high school game "Senior Assassin."
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RCMP were called at 11:58 a.m. on 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 media release.
"RCMP arrived at the scene and quickly located the suspect, who was taken into custody without incident."
"Initial investigation has revealed that there was never a threat to anyone. 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. Please be cautious and safe."
The investigation continues.
The incident comes just days after Airdrie RCMP confirmed they are aware of the trend but have received no related complaints.
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.
The game, often called "Senior Assassin," typically involves high school students attempting to "eliminate" one another using water or Nerf-style toy guns. Police in other parts of Canada say it often unfolds in public areas such as driveways, streets, and parking lots, and may involve players tracking their targets through group chats or social media.
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."
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."
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 said the game has resulted in 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."
HRPS warned that participants could face consequences "up to and including criminal charges," and encouraged families to talk about the risks.
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