(New Castle, DE 19720) The New Castle County Division of Police would like to inform the community about the dangers of a game that has become popular among some high school students, known as the “senior assassination game.” On Thursday, May 4, 2023, at 2:32 p.m. multiple officers were dispatched to the Deerborne Woods community – Newark in reference to a report of a person with a gun. A 911 call was made that stated a subject was running through the community with a silver and black handgun. Officers responded to the area, located the individual, and determined it was a water gun.

The senior assassination game involves students attempting to “eliminate” their fellow classmates by targeting them with water guns, Nerf guns, or other harmless items. While this may seem harmless fun, it can lead to serious consequences.

Firstly, the senior assassination game can cause a great deal of disruption in the community. Participants may become preoccupied with the game, causing them to become distracted while driving or engaging in other important activities. Participating in this game could also be alarming to unknowing persons. The activities of the game could be misconceived by a witness as actual violence or a real firearm. There have been reports where participants dress in dark clothing with masks while using water guns resembling real firearms.

Furthermore, this game can also be potentially dangerous. Students may become overly competitive and take the game too far, using objects that could potentially cause harm to their fellow classmates. This could result in serious injury or even legal consequences.

We encourage parents, teachers, and community members to speak with their children and students about the potential dangers of this game. If students continue to participate, please exercise common sense. Avoid trespassing on private property, don’t operate a vehicle during and please refrain from using realistic-looking guns. Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

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