N.B. RCMP warns grads about risks of “Senior Assassin” water gun game

The New Brunswick RCMP is warning students, parents and school communities across the province about safety risks linked to “Senior Assassin,” a game commonly played by graduating high school students in which participants use water guns to “eliminate” assigned targets, often in public and residential areas. The warning comes as graduation season approaches, when participation in the game typically increases, and applies to communities throughout New Brunswick.

Police acknowledged that many students see the game as a year-end tradition. However, the RCMP stressed that the way it is played can create serious risks, including the chance that a water gun is mistaken for a real weapon.

Concerns raised by police

According to the RCMP, the game has raised several law enforcement and public safety concerns:

• Realistic-looking water guns: Participants sometimes paint or modify water guns so they closely resemble real firearms. These can easily be mistaken for genuine weapons by bystanders or responding officers.
• Armed police response: Realistic imitation guns can provoke an armed police response, putting both participants and the public at risk.
• Trespassing: Efforts to avoid being “tagged” can lead players onto private property, including yards, driveways and other restricted areas.
• Dangerous driving: Some players may drive erratically or dangerously while chasing or fleeing others in the game.

Laws that may apply

The RCMP said several laws may be engaged when the game crosses into unsafe or illegal behaviour:

• Trespassing and entering private property without permission.
• Disturbing the peace, including causing public alarm or disorder.
• Dangerous or reckless driving, which can endanger other road users and pedestrians.
• Possession or use of an imitation firearm in public, which can carry serious legal consequences such as fines, criminal charges and potential imprisonment.

Police said these laws will be strictly enforced.

What police are asking

The RCMP is urging students, parents and guardians to talk about the risks, to reconsider taking part in this type of game, and to choose activities that do not endanger others or draw on police resources unnecessarily.

Anyone who sees activity that appears suspicious, threatening or potentially violent is asked to contact their local RCMP or police detachment. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.

This article is based on a public safety alert issued by the New Brunswick RCMP.