Why Irvine police are warning about 'senior assassin' grad game - Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Times

by Alex Wigglesworth

February 20, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Irvine Police Warn About Dangerous 'Senior Assassin' Game The Irvine Police Department has issued a warning about a popular high school game called "senior assassin," which involves students using realistic-looking water guns and gel blasters. The department is concerned that these toys could be mistaken for real firearms, leading to potentially dangerous encounters with law enforcement or other members of the public. According to police reports, incidents have occurred where teens carrying realistic water guns were mistaken for armed individuals, prompting emergency responses. One such case involved a teenager captured on a doorbell camera while brandishing a toy pistol. A resident mistook it for a real weapon and called 911, leading officers to respond and intervene. The game typically involves groups of students attempting to "eliminate" each other by shooting with water guns or gel blasters, often with a monetary prize at stake. As graduation season approaches, the Irvine Police Department is urging students to exercise caution when playing this game. They advise using water guns that are clearly distinguishable from real firearms, such as those in bright, neon colors like green or orange. The department emphasizes the importance of public safety and wants students to enjoy their final year of high school without unnecessary risks. By choosing less realistic toys and avoiding play in dark or ambiguous settings, participants can reduce the chances of misunderstandings that could escalate into dangerous situations. This issue matters because it highlights the potential for harm when blending play with objects that mimic real weapons. The goal is for students to have fun while ensuring they do not inadvertently place themselves or others in peril.

Verticals

newscalifornia

Originally published on Los Angeles Times on 2/20/2026