By Montse Ricossa
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FRANKLIN, Wisconsin (WDJT) — Police departments across Wisconsin are warning students to be mindful of the community as many play the nationwide game “Senior Assassin,” or “Paranoia.”
It’s where students are assigned a “target” and have one week to shoot them with a water gun. Nicolet High School Senior Abraham Olson described it as “March Madness but with squirt guns.”
However, the popular game has caused some disruptions across our hometowns. Franklin police responded to two incidents Monday morning, May 4, that were connected to the game called “Paranoia” being played by students at Franklin High School, according to the department.
The first was around 6:40 a.m. for a report of a naked man with a gun in the middle of the street, which led to what was described as a “high-risk traffic stop” that disrupted the morning commute.
“We were very concerned, especially with the morning commute, especially with children on buses and at bus stops in that area,” shared Franklin Police Officer Gary Wallace.
He was one of about a dozen officials who responded to the neighborhood, preparing for the worst. “We ran out of the station, concerned we were responding to a really serious issue. It was in the back of our minds, and even spoken, that this may be a case of the ‘Paranoia’ game,” he shared.
Officers determined the individual and a passenger were participating in the game. The student was arrested and cited for disorderly conduct. The reason for being naked? It’s a loophole, as there’s a rule accepted between students that if you’re without clothes (like when showering), then you cannot be eliminated.
“A lot of people in the community are frustrated about the resources that were being tied up this morning. So we asked again the participants, please keep in mind the effect of what you’re doing has on the community.” — Officer Gary Wallace
A second situation in Franklin involved several shirtless people arguing outside a residence and making threats.
Police departments including Monroe, Columbus, and Twin Lakes put out statements surrounding the game, with warnings for students.
In Germantown on April 16, police responded to a call of armed suspects, matching descriptions for what turned out to be 16 and 18-year-olds playing the “Senior Assassin” game.
“You guys have got to be kidding me — wearing masks and hiding outside an apartment complex playing a stupid game?” said one of the officers. Another officer pointed out that from down the road, where they were looking for the armed suspects, it was hard to tell that the “weapons” were actually water guns. The students can be seen in body camera video apologizing to the officers, asking if they’d get detention. The four students were eventually allowed to go home, after calls to their parents.
Officer Wallace reminds kids to be mindful of how they’re perceived: “You need to be respectful. You need to be aware of the disturbance that you’re creating. Have fun, but be mindful of everyone else around you, too.”
While there are warnings to be safe, Officer Wallace acknowledged the game could be fun if played correctly. That was echoed by Nicolet High School senior Abraham Olson and his mom, Julie Olson.
“I’d say it gets pretty serious. Some people are hiding out in their houses all day long or getting their parents to drive them around places, decoy cars, leaving their phones at home,” said Abraham. About 200 of his classmates play the game, which is set up on an app, assigning everyone their “targets.”
For the Olsons though, it’s a way for the family to get involved and have fun. Julie explained that she and her husband have a “decoy car” so her son could make it to work, as the only “safe zones” are school, home, work, and places of worship.
While Julie acknowledged there may be disruptions in neighborhoods with kids running around, “You have to take it for what it is. It’s seniors celebrating their last days of being kids and having this fun game.”
Franklin police said they must respond to such calls with full precautions, regardless of context, noting similar incidents across the country have had serious outcomes. The department is asking parents and community members to talk to young people about potential consequences.
Franklin High School put out a statement on May 4 that read in part:
“This activity is strictly prohibited on school property. Students and families should be aware that participation that leads to police involvement could carry legal consequences which impact a student’s eligibility for school athletics and activities under the Athletics & Activities Co-Curricular Code of Conduct.
We strongly encourage families to speak with their students about making safe, respectful, and responsible choices. As always, student safety is our top priority, and we appreciate your partnership in reinforcing these expectations. If you have concerns about unsafe behavior in the community, please contact the Franklin Police Department directly. Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting our students.”
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