MUKWONAGO, Wisconsin – The Mukwonago Area School District and local law enforcement are urging caution over the ‘Paranoia’ Teen Game, a growing trend among high school students. Also called “Senior Assassin,” the game involves students using toy weapons that often resemble real firearms, creating serious public safety risks. Authorities warn that the game has already triggered 911 calls and emergency responses in other communities, unnecessarily tying up police resources and risking dangerous misunderstandings.
In a recent event in Waukesha, Wisconsin, five teenagers were arrested for battery after shooting Orbeez pellets at unsuspecting individuals in a Target parking lot. The victims, including three adults and a child, sustained welts from the pellets. The teens claimed they were participating in the “Senior Assassin” game, which involves students attempting to “eliminate” each other using water guns or similar devices.
‘Paranoia’ Teen Game Explained
According to Mukwonago PD Assistant Chief Chris DeMotto, the game is essentially an advanced version of tag. Teams of four students challenge other teams to squirt gun battles. The goal is to get an opposing player’s clothes wet and capture a photo as proof. Once a player is hit and documented, they are eliminated from the game. Basic rules are in place—like prohibitions against targeting someone at school or their workplace. But some participants exploit loopholes, knowing they are only eliminated if their clothing is visibly wet. One of those exploits: playing with no clothes on.
‘Paranoia’ Teen Game In Mukwonago
The “Paranoia” game has begun to cause issues in Mukwonago. One troubling incident recently reported involved kids playing the game while nude. A local father described the experience in a Facebook post, recounting how he and his 4-year-old daughter were walking along Two Rivers Court when a white Honda CR-V stopped at the intersection ahead of them.
According to the man, two more vehicles also pulled up. Drivers jumped out of those cars – without any clothes on. The father said, “from the two other cars, out came two completely naked guys.” They were all carrying water guns, and in full view of the man’s daughter. Disturbed by the incident, the father wrote, “…being naked in front of my 4-year-old daughter crosses a bigger line.” WCW is withholding the father’s identity to protect his family’s privacy.
Intersection of Two Rivers Court and Two Rivers Drive, Mukwonago, Wisconsin
Students in the area are even using a private Instagram account to coordinate the game. The page, called “mukparanoia2025,” currently has 529 followers. While the account itself isn’t inherently harmful, parents are urged to talk with their children about the game and ensure they understand the risks of letting it escalate too far.
Warnings from Mukwonago Area School District
Mukwonago Area School District (MASD) Superintendent Joe Koch sent an email to parents on Friday. He warned them about the dangers associated with the “Paranoia” game. In the message, Koch explained the basics of the game. He outlined how MASD is working to keep students safe and detailed potential consequences. He also provided a list of possible municipal violations and fines that students could face if they are cited while participating in the game:
- Criminal Damage to Property: approximately $564
- Criminal Trespass: approximately $439
- Curfew Violation: approximately $187
- Loitering/Prowling: approximately $439
- Disorderly Conduct: approximately $439
Parents Urged to Discuss the ‘Paranoia’ Teen Game with Children
Local authorities are urging parents and students to stay alert to the risks associated with the “Paranoia” game. The game is often intended as harmless fun among high school students. However, officials stress the importance of setting clear boundaries. Parents are encouraged to talk with their children about playing responsibly, emphasizing that while friendly competition is fine, taking the game too far — such as trespassing, public nudity, or causing panic — can lead to legal trouble. Authorities also remind students to prioritize traffic safety, remain aware of their surroundings, and avoid any actions that could endanger themselves, others, or the community.
For more information on the broader concerns surrounding the “Senior Assassin” game, you can refer to this video:
I graduated from Brookfield Central High school in 1965. Yes, I’m “older than dirt”.
There were a a group of about ten guys who would have BB gun wars in a wooded area just South of the Bluemound Dive-in theater. That is now Brookfield Square’s old Sears area, approximately. To my knowledge, no one was ever seriously injured, however, a one of my friends who was a participant, said that a couple of guys bumped it up to using a pellet gun. I guess some things never change in human nature. It’s our sin nature to get the edge over someone else.
I wish you well in controlling this unfortunate escalation of a game gone beyond acceptable boundaries.
Unfortunately, someone with a carry permit just might find themselves in trouble. Personally I would have pulled to safeguard my family; and a person dealing with PTSD might have an episode.