Thunder Bay Police warn students about Senior Assassin imitation firearm risks
THUNDER BAY — Thunder Bay Police Service is warning students and families that the “Senior Assassin” game being played by some graduating high school students can create serious public safety risks when water guns or imitation firearms are used in public.
Police say the activity may be intended as entertainment, but it can quickly be mistaken for real criminal activity when participants chase, “tag” or “eliminate” one another in neighbourhoods, parking lots, parks or other public spaces.
Police Responded to Report of Apparent Handgun
On May 9, 2026, officers responded after a concerned motorist reported seeing what appeared to be a handgun in the possession of another driver.
Because the call involved a possible weapon, police treated the incident as a potentially high-risk weapons call. Officers later determined the item was an imitation firearm connected to the “Senior Assassin” game.
Thunder Bay Police say even toy or replica guns can closely resemble real firearms. When those items are displayed in public, officers must respond as though the threat is real until they can safely confirm otherwise.
Students Could Face Serious Consequences
Police are reminding participants that using imitation firearms in public can lead to unintended consequences, including criminal investigations, school-related sanctions or injury.
The behaviour can also cause fear and distress for residents who believe they are witnessing a real weapons incident.
Parents and guardians are being urged to speak with youth about safe decision-making and how quickly a game can escalate when imitation firearms are involved.
Criminal Code Context: Imitation Firearms Are Not Treated Lightly
Police have not announced any charges in connection with the May 9 incident. If charges are laid in this or any similar incident, any accused person is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
Under section 84 of the Criminal Code, an imitation firearm means anything that imitates a firearm and includes a replica firearm. That definition matters because Canadian law can treat imitation weapons seriously depending on how they are used.
Section 88 of the Criminal Code addresses possession of a weapon or imitation of a weapon for a purpose dangerous to the public peace or for the purpose of committing an offence. The maximum penalty is 10 years in prison if prosecuted by indictment.
Assault provisions may also become relevant if someone threatens another person by act or gesture, or accosts or impedes someone while openly carrying a weapon or imitation. Basic assault carries a maximum sentence of five years if prosecuted by indictment. Assault with a weapon, or an imitation of a weapon, carries a maximum sentence of 10 years if prosecuted by indictment.
Uttering threats may apply where a person knowingly conveys a threat to cause death or bodily harm, damage property, or harm an animal belonging to someone. Threats to cause death or bodily harm can carry a maximum sentence of five years if prosecuted by indictment.
For summary conviction offences, where no other penalty is specified, courts may impose a fine of up to $5,000, imprisonment for up to two years less a day, or both. Actual sentences depend on the facts, the age of the accused, prior record if any, harm caused, intent, aggravating and mitigating factors, and whether the matter is dealt with in adult or youth court.
Youth Consequences Can Extend Beyond Court
Because “Senior Assassin” is commonly played by graduating students, some participants may be under 18. Youth matters can be handled under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, which includes court processes as well as extrajudicial measures such as warnings, cautions, referrals or sanctions in appropriate cases.
Even without a criminal charge, students may face school discipline, loss of privileges, suspension from events, contact with parents or guardians, or restrictions connected to school property and activities.
What Students Should Avoid
Students should avoid carrying, displaying or pointing anything that looks like a firearm in public, from a vehicle, near a school, in a park, in a parking lot or in a residential area.
They should also avoid chasing people through traffic, entering private property, hiding near homes or businesses, or posting videos that encourage others to treat imitation firearms as part of a public game.
What Residents Should Do
Thunder Bay Police are asking residents to continue reporting suspicious activity involving weapons by calling 911.
Anyone who sees what appears to be a firearm should not approach the person involved. Move to safety, call 911, and provide the location, description, vehicle information and direction of travel if it is safe to do so.
