Goshen
police and the school district are advising students against participating in
an off-campus water gun game called “senior assassin.”
A
community member posted about the game this week on social media alerting the
community that starting Tuesday, more than 70 Goshen seniors will
participate in a “water gun elimination game for several weeks until someone
wins” and that it will take place “all over town trying to get their assigned
person.”
The
person continued to post that “it’s all in good fun,” and that if you see kids
“driving around or running around with water guns this is what they’re up to.”
Several
concerned parents reached out to News 12 saying the game is not appropriate.
The
Goshen School District and Village of Goshen Police Department issued a joint
statement about the game.
“The
post on social media is not the idea of nor sanctioned by the Goshen Central
School District,” said Superintendent Dr. Kurtis Kotes and Goshen High
School Principal Nick Pantaleone. “The District was
not aware of this until the issue surfaced on social media. The District
strongly encourages families and community members to consider the safety of
any activity that is supported outside of the school’s purview.”
“The
Village of Goshen Police Department urges parents to discuss with children
their participation in this activity. This activity, when conducted in
uncontrolled public places, could cause public alarm, citizen intervention, and
911 calls generating a police response and causing a public safety issue,” said
Chief James Watt. “The thrill of the game could impede judgment, and
participants may be oblivious to how their behavior could be viewed by
community members with individuals with weapons, often chasing others on foot
or in vehicles.”
Several
parents posted in support of the game in the post’s comments.
It’s
not clear if the game has begun.
The
game appears to be part of a TikTok challenge that several groups of
seniors from districts throughout the Hudson Valley are participating in.