Police issue warning over social media trend leading to false gun reports

Winnipeg police say they are aware of a social media trend that has made its way to Winnipeg high schools.

The trend dubbed “assassin” is reportedly an organized live-action game where players — graduating high school students — try to “take out” other students using water pistols and try to become the last one standing.

Police are warning that members of the public who are unaware of the game might not recognize it as such and are calling police to attend the scene.

“Using water pistols as just a water pistol fight, that’s one thing but this is a game where people are targeting other people to take them out so this is a game people should try to avoid,” said Const. Pat Saydak, information officer at Winnipeg police.

It has been noted that the game is not limited to school property and can happen at any time of day.

Police say the social media trend “can add unnecessary strain on police resources as units are dispatched away from community members with legitimate calls for service.”

Police add that “all ‘gun’ calls, real or perceived, elicit a heightened police response and are investigated.”

Additionally, parents are encouraged to talk with their children and advise them not to partake in the social media trend and not to strain police resources.