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Annual 'senior assassin' game raises concerns, prompts reminders to be safe

It's called "senior assassin." News 12 has told you about it before. It's a tag-style game where water guns are used to knock out opponents. It sounds innocent enough, but police say it can be dangerous.

Melanie Palmer

and

Lisa LaRocca

May 14, 2026, 6:00 AM

Updated

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It's a game that police say can turn dangerous and officers are once again seeing it in the Hudson Valley.

It's called "senior assassin." News 12 has told you about it before. It's a tag-style game where water guns are used to knock out opponents. It sounds innocent enough, but police say it can be dangerous.

"Some of these water guns that these kids use look like real guns. For responding officers when we do get calls about it or for homeowners, it's something that obviously can cause great alarm," says North Castle Police Chief Regen Hufnagle.

Wednesday coverage

So far this year, police around Westchester say they've only gotten a couple reports of incidents connected to this game.

In other parts of New York, it has been a problem.

On Long Island, it recently led to a school lockout after someone called 911, thinking students were carrying guns.

"Based on the times we're in and the access kids have, we have to be extremely careful with these toys and these games," says Westchester County grandma, Claudia Coombs.

Police are reminding teenagers to be careful and mindful.

"Kids are going around using squirt guns. What do you want them to do, be cooped up in the house?" said a Westchester County parent.

While some parents aren't so concerned, others say they'll be talking with their kids.

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