California Police Warn About High School Game as Graduation Nears

As graduation season approaches, a beloved high school tradition is under scrutiny from California law enforcement.

The Reading Police Department is cautioning teens about the live-action game “Senior Assassins,” where high school seniors use water guns to “eliminate” one another.

There’s even an app version of the game, which assigns players targets and uses phone location services to facilitate the game. The app’s developer, Splashin, is promoting safety while using their platform.

Players progress by soaking their assigned targets while trying to avoid elimination themselves.

Though officials acknowledge that the game seems harmless, they warn it can quickly escalate into anxiety-inducing situations for the public and lead to risks. There have even been tragic outcomes.

“Avoid trespassing, running into traffic, or approaching others in ways that might be misinterpreted as a real threat,” the police advised in a Facebook post. They also urged players to keep away from locations that could incite fear or trigger police responses, including schools and businesses.

Officers emphasized, “Don’t use realistic-looking weapons in public places. If someone asks you to leave, do so. If you feel uncomfortable, just walk away.” They encourage everyone to exercise common sense and prioritize safety.

Sergeant Brian Berg remarked that local students have participated in “Senior Assassins” for years, labeling it as a fun graduation-related tradition. However, he conceded that many in the community might not be aware of it, which raises the likelihood of misunderstandings.

So far, Reading police haven’t received any significant complaints, but similar games have led to concerning incidents in other areas.

Recently, a Texas student tragically died after falling from a moving car during the game. Additionally, in 2024, two students were mistakenly held at gunpoint by a man who confused their game for an attempted robbery in a Chicago suburb.

School officials are opting for a cautious approach. Justin Bixby, the principal at West Valley High School, stated that no games are permitted on campus during school hours and noted that there haven’t been related issues involving water guns in California educational institutions.

The contemporary version of “Senior Assassins” has rules intended to minimize risks. Players should use brightly colored water guns, steer clear of disguises, and stay away from restricted areas like private property. Nonetheless, authorities underline that, despite these precautions, the sight of young people pursuing each other in public—especially with anything resembling a weapon—can quickly turn the game into a major public safety concern.