‘Senior Assassin’ water gun trend leads to lockdown at Alberta high school

Stock photos of toy water guns. (Pexels/Polina Tankilevitch)

A popular online trend led to a gun complaint and lockdown at a southern Alberta high school on Friday.

Strathmore RCMP responded to a complaint of a suspect with a gun at Strathmore High School just before noon.

RCMP told the school and other buildings in the area to initiate lockdown procedures.

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Police learned, after initial investigation, that there was never a threat to anyone, and the suspect was carrying a water gun.

RCMP said they were participating in the “Senior Assassin” game, which has become a popular trend among graduating students across Canada.

“Although an innocent game, RCMP is reminding those partaking, please be mindful that someone witnessing this or driving by could perceive a water gun to be a real firearm. Please be cautious and safe,” RCMP said in a news release.

The online trend has recently been making headlines across Canada for all the wrong reasons.

• Guelph Police warn of dangers of ‘Senior Assassin’ game after teen arrested at gunpoint
• ‘Senior assassin’ trend prompts multiple weapons calls to London police

The Calgary Police Service issued a warning about the trend last week, saying it’s only a matter of time before a major incident occurs, with water guns getting confused for the real thing.

The live-action game is typically played by senior high school students and involves players eliminating ‘targets’ during a set time period using water guns, spray bottles or other methods.