Police warn of dangers of “assassin” game and replica firearms

The Guelph Police Service is warning the community about dangers associated to a game in which youth are carrying replica firearms in an attempt to “assassinate” each other. 

The popular game known as Senior Assassin involves high school students competing to “eliminate” fellow participants by shooting them with water guns or other projectiles within a specified time period. The game is played at all hours of the day and night. 

Many of the replica firearms look very similar to real ones, causing concern for members of the public and often prompting large police responses. 

Officers responding to such calls must treat them as if the firearms in question are real until proven otherwise, potentially causing safety concerns for the community including players of the game. Responding to such high-priority calls also takes officers away from other legitimate calls for service. 

Approximately 8:20 p.m. Friday police responded to a business near Gordon Street and Clair Road after a witness reported two young males outside a rear door. One of them appeared to be holding a handgun and the second was filming on his phone.

They left the area before officers arrived and were not located.

During the weekend officers also observed teenagers wearing swimming goggles in public, which is said to protect the wearers from being “eliminated” from the game.

The Guelph Police Service understands the game is fun for students, but we encourage those playing it to do so safely and responsibly. Parents are also encouraged to speak to their children to ensure they understand the risks of using replica firearms in public.