Winnipeg police warn of concerning social media trend involving teenagers

Winnipeg police are asking teens to think twice before participating in the growing social media trend called "Assassin"

Winnipeg police want teens to think twice before taking part in a growing social media trend.

The trend is called ‘Assassin’ – a game that pits graduating teens armed with water pistols against one another. In a public awareness notice released Wednesday, police say the goal of the game is to “eliminate” other students and be the last one standing.

While police note it is just a game, the WPS warns unsuspecting spectators in the community may mistake it for something much worse.

“Unassuming members of the general public not familiar with this ‘game’ may not recognize the activity as such and place a call for police to attend, as the activity is not limited to school property and can occur at any time of day,” the notice from police reads, noting there has been a resurgence in the trend in local high schools

Winnipeg police said all gun calls, whether real or perceived, are taken seriously, resulting in a heightened response from police.

“The resurgence of this social media trend can add unnecessary strain on police resources as units are dispatched away from community members with legitimate calls for service,” police said in a release.

Police told CTV News there haven’t been any reports surrounding the game this year, but noted there was an ‘incident’ last year in St. Vital resulting in a strong police response.

“This is pre-emptive rather than reactive and provides the public with more context should they come across a similar situation during the month,” Const. Claude Chancy, a public information officer, told CTV News in an email.

Police are asking parents to talk to their children and advise against their participating in the game.