Police across the country are sounding the alarm about a popular game among high school students called “Senior Assassin,” warning parents that it could lead to “potentially deadly situations.” The urgency comes after a harrowing incident in Nassau County, Florida, where an off-duty agent from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) mistakenly shot an 18-year-old student participating in the game. The agent, believing the teens were home invaders, fired a shot that struck the student in the arm. Fortunately, the teen survived with non-life-threatening injuries and is expected to undergo surgery for a broken arm. This incident has sparked widespread concern among law enforcement agencies, who are now urging parents to intervene and discourage their children from playing the game due to its risks.
The game of “Senior Assassin” has gained traction as a fun, albeit risky, activity among high school students. It involves teams using toy guns, often water pistols or other fake weapons, to “shoot” each other and eliminate opponents until one team remains victorious. Players typically conceal their identities, wear masks, and move stealthily, often at night, to avoid detection. While the game is meant to be harmless and exciting, law enforcement officials are highlighting the dangers it poses when mistaken for real criminal activity. Authorities stress that the combination of masks, fake weapons, and late-night movements can easily be misinterpreted, leading to tragic consequences. As Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper explained, “These types of games may seem innocent, but when you have young people sneaking around in the dark wearing masks and carrying objects that could be mistaken for weapons, you’re creating a potentially deadly situation.”
The incident in Nassau County serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with “Senior Assassin.” Early Wednesday morning, the FDLE agent encountered three individuals near their home, believing them to be prowlers. Unaware that the teens were playing the game, the agent acted in what they perceived as self-defense, shooting one of the students. The shooting has prompted an internal investigation involving the FDLE, the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office, and the Office of the State Attorney for the Fourth Judicial Circuit. While the incident did not result in a fatality, it underscores the gravity of the situation and the need for immediate action to prevent future tragedies. State Attorney Melissa Nelson emphasized that the game is “rapidly gaining popularity” in northern Florida and across the U.S., tying it to incidents such as reckless driving, trespassing, and near-tragic misunderstandings.
Law enforcement agencies nationwide have tied “Senior Assassin” to a string of concerning incidents. In one alarming example, a teenager in another state was paralyzed after being shot by the father of a fellow player, who mistook the game for a real attack. In another case, a group of students in Illinois entered a restaurant carrying water pistols disguised as real firearms and wearing ski masks while playing the game. A patron with a concealed weapon nearly opened fire, believing the group posed a legitimate threat. These close calls have led authorities to issue urgent warnings about the game’s dangers. “Across the country, there have been tragedies and near-tragedies that have occurred as a result,” Nelson said. Law enforcement officials are now urging parents to take an active role in addressing the issue and discouraging their children from participating in the game.
Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters has joined the chorus of voices calling for action, appealing to parents to bridge the gap with their children and explain the risks of “Senior Assassin.” He emphasized that while the goal is not to deprive teenagers of fun, safety must remain the top priority. “The teenage mindset is that it will never happen to me,” Waters said. “Unfortunately, we saw what happened in Nassau County yesterday. We do not want young people not to have fun. That is not our goal here. The goal is to make sure everyone is safe.” Authorities are also urging elected officials to get involved, advocating for policies or initiatives that could help shut down the game. As State Attorney Nelson put it, “We ask for your help in shutting the game down.”
The broader community is beginning to respond to these warnings, with many questioning whether the risks of “Senior Assassin” outweigh its entertainment value. While some students may view the game as harmless fun, the potential consequences are too severe to ignore. Law enforcement officials are imploring parents to have open and honest conversations with their children about the dangers of the game and to encourage them to find safer ways to enjoy their senior year. As the investigation into the Nassau County shooting continues, this incident serves as a wake-up call for families and communities nationwide. The hope is that by raising awareness and taking proactive steps, tragedies related to “Senior Assassin” can be prevented, ensuring that no other family has to endure the pain of a preventable accident.
