Fremont Police Warn Seniors About 'Assassins' Game With Toy Guns

Authorities say the game has led to high-risk traffic stops and pulled officers away from real emergencies.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 7:27pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a toy gun with a bright, harsh flash against a pitch-black background, highlighting the realistic details and texture of the toy weapon.A toy gun's realistic appearance sparks safety concerns as 'Assassins' game continues to cause problems for police and communities.Fremont Today

Fremont police are warning local high school seniors to stop playing the 'Assassins' game, which involves using toy guns, after a series of incidents where the fake weapons were mistaken for real firearms, leading to high-risk traffic stops and 911 calls that pulled officers away from actual emergencies. Police say the game, played off-campus, can quickly turn into a dangerous situation and have urged parents to intervene and discourage their children from participating.

Why it matters

The 'Assassins' game, a senior tradition in many communities, has become a growing concern for police departments across the country, as the use of toy guns that resemble real firearms can prompt 911 calls, high-risk traffic stops, and potential criminal charges for the participating students. This highlights the need for better education and awareness around the risks of such activities, as well as the importance of maintaining public safety.

The details

Fremont police say the 'Assassins' game, where seniors use water or Nerf guns to 'assassinate' each other, has led to several close calls, with officers responding to reports of suspicious activity only to find students wielding what appear to be real guns. This has resulted in high-risk traffic stops and has pulled officers away from responding to actual emergencies. Police warn that trespassing, reckless driving, and bringing imitation weapons to campus can all lead to citations, arrests, and even more serious charges, depending on the circumstances.

  • On April 18, 2026, Fremont police issued a detailed warning about the 'Assassins' game on their Facebook page.
  • The 'Assassins' game is an annual tradition that occurs in the spring, as high school seniors prepare to graduate.

The players

Fremont Police Department

The local law enforcement agency in Fremont, California that has been warning about the risks of the 'Assassins' game involving toy guns.

Fremont Unified School District

The school district that is working with the Fremont Police Department to discourage students from participating in the 'Assassins' game.

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What they’re saying

“Reports of 'suspicious activity' connected to the game may lead to police contact, citation or even arrest, depending on what officers find when they roll up.”

— Fremont Police Department

What’s next

Fremont police and the school district are continuing to work together to educate parents and students about the risks of the 'Assassins' game, and to discourage participation.

The takeaway

The 'Assassins' game, while intended as harmless senior fun, has become a serious public safety concern, as the use of toy guns that resemble real firearms can lead to dangerous confrontations with law enforcement and potential criminal charges for the participating students. This highlights the need for greater awareness and responsible behavior when it comes to activities that could be mistaken for real threats.