Resident warns commissioners about multiweek 'assassin' water‑gun game, asks sheriff and dispatch to alert deputies

Andrea White, a Knox County resident and parent of a Mount Vernon high‑school senior, told the Board of Commissioners on April 14 that a student‑organized, multiweek game often called "senior tag" or "assassin" is moving through neighborhoods and risks being misinterpreted by residents or law enforcement.

"This activity is not a school sponsored event, but it is a very well run, student organized event that lasts for several weeks," White said, describing teams that follow one another, stage stakeouts and approach other participants with objects that look like water guns. She warned that everyday objects have been mistaken for weapons in high‑profile cases and said the game creates a foreseeable scenario that could escalate when officers or residents react.

White noted local context, saying "There are 27 deputies in this county," and urged county leaders to ensure both deputies and local 9‑1‑1 dispatchers are made aware of the activity so they have "prior context" when calls arrive. She also recommended a brief public reminder to residents to verify situations before reacting and to keep firearms and ammunition stored separately.

Chair (speaker 1) acknowledged the concern and said he would "reach out to Sheriff Wacker" to inform the sheriff's office. Other commissioners suggested city police and council representatives also be notified and discussed the possibility of a public notice or newspaper item next year to raise community awareness.

The request did not result in a formal motion; the meeting moved on after commissioners said they would follow up.