Concealed carry holder in Gurnee almost mistakes students playing with fake guns for an actual threat

Police are warning the community after a hidden carrier at a Gurnee restaurant almost mistook masked high school students with water guns for an actual threat.

Gurnee police addressed nationwide and recent community incidents related to a game called “Senior Assassins” in a community alert Wednesday.

A group of high school students from a neighboring community entered a restaurant in Gurnee on Tuesday wearing ski masks and displaying water guns that resembled firearms.

They targeted other students eating at the restaurant and tried to throw water on them, police said.

An adult wearing a concealed carry who was in the restaurant mistook the situation for a real threat.

“The situation could have escalated quickly. The gravity of the situation cannot be overstated; it had the potential to have serious consequences,” police said in the warning.

The game involves forming teams for a tournament-like competition. Participants eliminate opposing teams by “marking” them with water guns.

It is common for players to wear ski masks to surprise their opponents.

The Gurnee Police Department emphasized that the display of firearms, whether real or imitation, in any public setting is a concern and can cause fear among the public.

The department urged community members to reconsider their participation in the activities and recognize the seriousness of their actions.

Incidents like these could warrant a disorderly conduct charge because they often cause others to feel alarmed and disturbed, police said.

“We appreciate our community’s continued support and encourage individuals to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity immediately. Remember, if you “see something, say something,” the department added.