East Haven High School Principal Issues Warning About 'Potentially Dangerous' Senior Students' Game

EAST HAVEN, CT —Update: The East Haven Police Department shared on Facebook the letter to the parents of high school seniors warning them about the viral trend, a senior 'game,' called Senior Assassin.

Original story:

In a letter to families, East Haven High School principal Vin DeNuzzo asks parents of high school seniors engaging in the dubious "Senior Assassin" game to discuss the potential risks involved in the game, which the school "does not endorse."

Those risks include the concern that many water guns and gel blasters closely resemble real guns, which could lead to "tragic misunderstandings," DeNuzzo wrote.

They shoot water-absorbent polymer balls, also known as gel balls, hydrogel balls, or gel bullets, and are similar to airsoft or paintball markers.

Other concerns include dangerous and reckless driving as students pursue their "targets" for "elimination," DeNuzzo wrote.

DeNuzzo said that given the activity is conducted in public, there are potential concerns about "public alarm."

"Large groups of students wearing masks or hoodies and brandishing weapons in public s parks, shopping centers, or residential areas can cause significant panic," he said.

But the EHHS class playing the game, that it calls "Senior Splash," noted in social media posts that the game is a school tradition and gives residents a heads-up on what to expect.

"If you see teenagers hiding behind cars, lurking in bushes, sprinting through parking lots, or acting wildly suspicious… don’t panic," is one caution.

DeNuzzo also shared a link to an ABC News/Good Morning America story on the senior assassin trend. Read that here.

Here's the text of DeNuzzo's letter:

We are writing to bring your attention to a popular but potentially dangerous game currently circulating among our senior students known as “Senior Assassin. While often viewed by students as a harmless activity, this game has evolved into a significant safety concern for our students, local law enforcement, and the community at large.

To be clear, East Haven High School does not endorse this activity in any way, and students found to be engaging in this activity on school grounds are subject to disciplinary action.

What is Senior Assassin?

For those unfamiliar, Senior Assassin is an out-of-school tournament where students are assigned "targets" and must "eliminate" them using water guns or gel blasters. The game usually involves buying in, with a cash prize for the last student standing.

Why is it dangerous?

While the game uses water-based projectiles, the behaviors it encourages often mirror high-stakes tactical situations. There has been a rise in the following concerning activities amongst those who play the game:

• Look-alike weapons. Many students use water guns or gel blasters that are designed to look like real firearms. In the heat of the game, a bystander or a police officer may mistake a toy for a lethal weapon, leading to a tragic misunderstanding.

• Dangerous driving. Students have been known to engage in high-speed chases, jump out of moving vehicles, or ignore traffic laws to catch a target or evade an "assassin."

• Trespassing and harassment. Participants often lurk in bushes, hide on private property, or follow students home, which can be alarming to neighbors and may result in police intervention or confrontation with homeowners.

• Public alarm. Large groups of students wearing masks or hoodies and brandishing weapons in public parks, shopping centers, or residential areas can cause significant panic.

We ask that you please sit down with your student and discuss the very real risks associated with this game.

Law enforcement agencies and several jurisdictions have already issued warnings that they will treat these incidents with extreme seriousness, and students could face charges of trespassing, disorderly conduct, or worse.

Our primary goal is to ensure that all of our seniors reach graduation safely and without any incidents.

We appreciate your partnership, and keeping our students and community safe.

Respectfully,

Vin DeNuzzo,

East Haven High School Principal

'Senior Splash' as defined by group on Facebook, Instagram

Meanwhile, on Facebook, the activity is described differently. It's a heads-up to folks to be aware that the activity is a school tradition, a "senior game," and an activity for seniors in high school to "enjoy(ing) the last moments of childhood."

The group, which says it is not affiliated with EHHS, posts to Instagram here.

"Senior Splashin’ is starting MONDAY 4/20

If you see teenagers hiding behind cars, lurking in bushes, sprinting through parking lots, or acting wildly suspicious… don’t panic.

They are most likely participating in an ongoing water elimination game being played by the senior class around town.

No, it is not a crime spree.

Yes, they probably are being dramatic.

Yes, someone is probably getting ambushed at a gas station.

Please just know: It’s a school tradition / senior game. It involves water fights. They may look ridiculous wear arm floaties or goggles. They are likely being watched by 4 other seniors from across the street. They are enjoying the last moments of childhood .

Thank you for your patience as the Class of 2026 makes some of their last memories together.

If you have any questions or concerns please DM @ehseniorsplashin26 on Instagram!!"