A high school in Massachusetts became the scene of a troubling incident when teenagers engaged in a viral “Senior Assassin” game allegedly fired gel projectiles at unsuspecting students. Two minors were hit in the incident, leading to charges against one suspect, according to police reports.
The Lawrence Police Department reported that the event unfolded on Thursday afternoon when three teenagers were running together and became targets of what seemed to be BB-like or gel projectiles. Two of the students sustained hits, while the third managed to escape unscathed. Fortunately, none of the injuries were severe, authorities confirmed.
Police swiftly identified one of the local high school students as the perpetrator and confiscated a gel projectile gun, similar to an Orbeez-style toy, believed to be the weapon involved in the attack.
The suspect was detained and now faces charges, including two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and one count of assault with a dangerous weapon. The police have not yet disclosed the teenager’s identity.
Law enforcement officials apprehended the student and retrieved the gel projectile gun thought to be used in the assault. (Lawrence Police Department)
Police arrested a high school student and recovered an Orbeez-style gel projectile gun. (Lawrence Police Department)
Authorities linked the incident to “Senior Assassin,” a student-run game popular among graduating seniors that involves targeting other participants, often using toy or non-lethal devices like water guns.
Police said the victims in this case were not participants in the game.
Old factories sit along the river in Lawrence, Massachusetts, on Aug. 16, 2019. Lawrence was once a major manufacturing city known for its textile and wool mills but has faced economic challenges since manufacturing declined. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
Officials stressed that the activity is not sanctioned by schools and can quickly turn dangerous.
“While these activities may seem harmless, they can create dangerous situations and lead to serious legal consequences,” the Lawrence Police Department said.
The game has drawn increasing warnings from law enforcement across the country after realistic-looking toy weapons and ambush-style tactics have triggered emergency responses and raised safety concerns in multiple states.
In this photo released by the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office, the toy water gun carried by the 18-year-old student is marked as evidence. (Nassau County Sheriff’s Office)
Police in Connecticut issued warnings to local communities this week about the games, telling those participating that they should use brightly colored water guns that would not be mistaken for real weapons. Police added that the game should not be played while driving, and that players should avoid trespassing on private property and shooting at people who are not involved in the game.
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