April 17, 2026 – Village of Germantown, Wi – Germantown Police Department responded to an incident on Thursday, April 16, 2026, approximately 9:30 p.m. involving four kids standing outside of and apartment complex with what was described as “AR style” black guns, all wearing dark clothing, and one individual had a ski mask on. Upon further investigation the activity is known as Germantown High School Paranoia 2026, aka, Nerf Gun Wars.
Due to the fog and darkness, responding officers were only able to see a silhouette of the individual and what appeared to be a rifle. Once officer illuminated the individual with their weapon mounted light, it was determined the gun was indeed a Nerf gun. The police department takes these, and all weapons call very seriously. Thankfully, no one was injured in this event last evening.
This activity is known as Germantown High School Paranoia 2026, aka, Nerf Gun Wars. This is not associated with the Germantown School District; however, the students do go to Germantown High School. This is an event done every year, and every year we receive calls from citizens because they do not understand what is going on.
Even if the intent is harmless (a game like “Paranoia” or Nerf wars), the appearance of a weapon—especially at night—can trigger a full emergency response. Officers arriving on a “person with a rifle” call must assume it’s real until proven otherwise, and that’s where things can get dangerous fast.
If you’re connected to students or parents in the area, the practical takeaway is simple: what feels like a harmless game among friends can look like a weapons incident to everyone else. And once that call is made, you can’t “undo” the response.
Germantown Police Department will begin to issue citations to students if this type of activity continues. There are a time and place for this activity, it is not during hours of darkness, with realistic looking weapons, and in populated areas during low light or darkness.
I am urging parents and students to refrain from this type of activity during hours of darkness. Also, I have posted the state statute for disorderly conduct. This event last evening created a disturbance.
Disorderly Conduct – Whoever, in a public or private place, engages in violent, abusive, indecent, profane, boisterous, unreasonably loud or otherwise disorderly conduct under circumstances in which the conduct tends to cause or provoke a disturbance.
Thank you.
Germantown School District Release Attached.
Subject: Important Awareness | Nerf Gun Wars — GHS 4/17/26
Friday, April 17, 2026
Dear Germantown High School Seniors and Senior Families:
We want to make you aware of a growing trend among high school seniors across the country playing a game that has various names, Nerf Gun Wars, Paranoia, Senior Assassian, etc. We have learned of Germantown students participating, and the [Germantown Police Department has issued a release] due to safety concerns.
In the game, participants attempt to “eliminate” assigned classmates using a Nerf (or water) gun. While the game is meant to be fun, it can quickly become dangerous when the activity is mistaken for criminal behavior. As always, the safety of our students is our top priority.
We want to be clear:
This activity is strictly prohibited on school grounds.
It is not supported or sanctioned in any way by the school or district.
Students are strongly discouraged from participating off campus due to safety risks.
Participation may result in school consequences, including activity code violations and suspension from school events, and could also lead to criminal charges.
Recent reports tied to this activity include unsafe driving, disorderly conduct, and individuals hiding near homes. In some cases, toy weapons have been mistaken for real firearms, especially in low light, prompting concern from community members.
Families are encouraged to speak with their students about the risks and expectations.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. Thank you for your support and for your attention to this important message.
Sincerely,
Germantown High School Administration,
Germantown School District Administration,
and SRO Olson of the Germantown Police Department
Very stupid