Schools

Police Issue Warning Over Bridgewater-Raritan Annual Senior Assassin Game

The warning says the off-campus game can involve water guns, ski masks and hiding, raising safety concerns.

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — It's that time of year again when the annual Bridgewater-Raritan High School senior class partakes in the "Senior Assassins" game.

Bridgewater High School administrators and the Bridgewater Police Department have issued a warning to the community about the game.

"While this annual event seems to be a rite of passage for our graduating seniors, it’s important to note that this activity is not condoned by the High School," according to BRHS Administration and Bridgewater Police.

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The Bridgewater Police Department was asked by school leaders to "update the community and request your support in keeping our students safe from potential problems."

According to the message, the game is played by selecting teams in a tournament and trying to eliminate members of opposing teams with water guns and other items.

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The school said students sometimes wear ski masks and carry water guns as they try to surprise opponents, and "they will often hide in unlikely situations."

The activities often take place in the evening and on weekends and are prohibited from taking place during school hours or on school grounds.

Administrators and police asked parents to discuss the activity with their children because of the possibility of unintended harm or other consequences for participants.

"We are asking parents to please speak to your child about this activity so we can help keep our students and community safe," the message stated. "Please reinforce that under no circumstances should a student run or avoid the police, as the police are trying to ensure that no illegal activity is taking place."

The notice frames the concern as both a student safety issue and a broader community issue. Administrators said, "As always, student safety remains a top priority, and this activity has the potential to cause unintended harm or consequences to the participants."

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