A police department in McHenry County has issued a warning to the community urging students to not participate in “Senior Assassin” in public after a CCL holder nearly mistook the game for a real threat.
Harvard Police Chief Tyson Bauman and Harvard High School Principal Carl Hobbs issued a joint statement to the community Thursday morning.
“We are deeply concerned by the incident that recently occurred in Gurnee, Illinois, highlighting the potential risks associated with games involving simulated weapons,” the statement said.
“While we understand the appeal of the Senior Assassin game, it is crucial to recognize the potential consequences and exercise extreme caution,” the officials said.
Bauman and Hobbs said they urge all participants to refrain from carrying simulated weapons in public spaces and to avoid actions that may cause unnecessary panic or alarm.
Trespassing on private property or creating disturbances can lead to serious consequences, they said.
“Our priority is to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone in our community,” the statement said. “Let us come together to prioritize safety and responsibility as we navigate through this challenging time.”
On Wednesday, the Gurnee Police Department issued a community alert about the “Senior Assassin” game.
A group of high school students from a neighboring community entered a Gurnee restaurant on Tuesday wearing ski masks and displaying water guns resembling firearms, police said.
They were targeting other students who were dining in the restaurant and attempting to spray them with water, police said.
An adult, who is a concealed carry holder and was in the restaurant, mistook the situation for a genuine threat.
“The situation could have escalated quickly. The gravity of the situation cannot be emphasized enough; it had the potential to lead to serious consequences,” police said in the alert.
The game involves the formation of teams for a tournament-style competition. Participants eliminate opposing teams by “tagging” them with water guns.
It is common for players to wear ski masks to catch their opponents off guard.
The Gurnee Police Department emphasized that the depiction of firearms, whether real or imitation, in any public setting, is a “matter of concern and may instill fear among the public.”
The department said they urge community members to reconsider their participation in the activities and recognize the seriousness of their actions.
Incidents like these may warrant disorderly conduct charges as they often cause feelings of being alarmed and disturbed by others, police said.
“We appreciate the continued support of our community and encourage individuals to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities promptly. Remember, if you ‘See Something, Say Something,'” the department added.