Gurnee Police are coordinating with other law enforcement agencies and implementing enhanced security measures at Six Flags Great America this weekend as plans for a “teen takeover” circulate on social media.
The takeover is purportedly planned for Saturday at an unknown time.
A flyer, which appears to be AI-generated, began circulating on multiple social media platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, Facebook and Instagram since late April.
The flyer states “TEEN TAKE OVER SIX FLAGS GREAT AMERICA” at the top, with “IF YOU SCARED STAY HOME [flying saucer emoji]” below it, with May 9 as the day.
“BRING THE VIOLENCE,” the flyer states.
The bottom of the flyer says “tickets” are available at “www.sixflags.com/greatamerica/teentakeover,” a website page that does not exist.
It also states that the park hours on Saturday are from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., which is not correct.
It’s unclear who made the flyer or who is behind it.
“Teen takeovers” are a nationwide trend where young people organize in large numbers and suddenly gather in public areas, oftentimes leading to property damage and mob action.
The trend primarily occurs in the summer months, when teenagers are on school break.
The Gurnee Police Department told Lake & McHenry County Scanner that they are aware of the possible “teen takeover.”
“At this time, the credibility and source of the information remain under investigation,” Gurnee Police Department Public Information Officer Shawn Gaylor said.
“As a precautionary measure, the Gurnee Police Department is coordinating with Six Flags Great America and regional law enforcement partners to ensure appropriate safety measures and staffing are in place throughout the weekend,” Gaylor said.
Gaylor declined to comment further on the specific measures for the weekend.
It’s unknown how many or which police agencies are coordinating with Gurnee Police.
In late April, the park quietly implemented a new chaperone policy that requires all guests 15 years old or younger to be accompanied by a parent, guardian or chaperone who is age 21 or older for the entire visit.
The policy applies to both Great America and Hurricane Harbor. A valid government-issued photo ID with date of birth is required for all chaperones at the time of entry.
“Any guest 15 years old or younger found inside the park without a qualifying chaperone when the policy is active will be immediately subject to removal from the park,” the policy says. “This requirement applies to all guests, including ticket holders and all Season Pass and Membership holders.”
The policy also says that one chaperone can accompany no more than 10 guests who are 15 or younger.
The new policy is much stricter than their previous rule, where those aged 15 or younger must be accompanied by an adult after 5 p.m.
“Guests should familiarize themselves with the park’s rules and expectations before arriving,” Gaylor said.
“Parents are encouraged to remain aware of their children’s activities and social media usage, and we ask all visitors to behave responsibly and follow park rules and local laws,” Gaylor added.
“Our department remains committed to maintaining a safe environment for residents, visitors, employees, and guests visiting our community.”
Six Flags officials did not respond Thursday or Friday to repeated requests for comment from the Lake & McHenry County Scanner.