The Wheaton Police Department, Warrenville Police Department, and Community Unit School District 200 would like to inform families and our communities about a non-school-related activity among students that has raised safety concerns.
Each spring, high school seniors across the nation organize a game often referred to as “senior assassin.” This game, which has gained popularity on social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram, spans several weeks as participants try to "eliminate" each other using water guns or Nerf-style toy guns. Students may be seen walking through neighborhoods or hiding in public places with these toy weapons as they try to surprise their opponents.
This is not a CUSD 200-sponsored activity, and “senior assassin” is not allowed on CUSD 200 school property, at any school- or district-sponsored event, or in any way that disrupts the learning environment or violates school rules. While students may think of this as a game, it poses a potential for very real safety concerns within our communities.
The Wheaton Police Department and Warrenville Police Department do not condone this activity and would like for our communities to be aware of safety concerns related to this game. This includes the potential for community members to become alarmed if they believe there is an individual armed with a weapon; game participants interfering with traffic and putting themselves and/or others' safety at risk; and other unintentional consequences.
We strongly encourage parents to have open and honest conversations with their children about the safety concerns associated with the "senior assassin" game. Please discuss the potential for misunderstandings and alarm within our communities, emphasizing that playing this game can easily be misinterpreted in public as a real threat.
The safety of all individuals in our communities is our top priority. We are providing this message to spread awareness about this activity and its potential risks. We appreciate the important role that every person plays in keeping our communities safe.
Sincerely,
Wheaton Police Department
Warrenville Police Department
Community Unit School District 200