Dublin Students Playing 'Assassin' Game

DUBLIN, CA - Stalking or hunting targets; jumping out of moving vehicles to attack or flee from other participants; reaching for concealed weapons in public places --these are all behaviors of past participants in the Assassin game. Those playing the game think it's fun, but members of the public not aware that it's agame may find the behavior terrifying.

That's why Dublin Police Services and Dublin Unified School District issued a joint statement Tuesday urging this year's participants to abandon the game.

They report that the game often prompts "multiple calls to the police who respond to what they believe to be a violent incident in progress. Not only does this consume significant time and resources of emergency personnel, it also jeopardizes the safety of our community when actual threats cannot be responded to in a timely manner."

"Not only does this consume significant time and resources of emergency personnel, it also jeopardizes the safety of our community when actual threats cannot be responded to in a timely manner. Furthermore, in the eyes of a startled homeowner protecting his or her family or property, a violent response to a player is quite possible."

Typically, the game is played by seniors who are assigned “targets” whom they have to “assassinate” using toy Nerf-type guns that fire foam darts. Each participant pays to play and after several rounds and several weeks of play, the winner is the last person standing.

Warning for Parents

If a police officer or another person is injured during the response to an assassin incident, the people involved, including the parents of the minor taking part, could be held liable. In addition to possible legal and criminal consequences, students will face disciplinary action if any weapons, even imitation guns, are brought on school campuses or if evidence is discovered that the game is being played at school.

Related:

• Livermore Police Warn Teens to Avoid Playing Game of "Assassin"
• Police Warn Pleasanton Students, Parents About Assassin Game

--Image via Dublin Patch Archive