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Kansas Prank Prompted by Social Media Escalates to Tragic Shooting

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An incident that turned a light-hearted Kansas high school prank into a tragic event has brought to light the dire consequences when games are taken to extremes. Last month, a group of teenagers engaged in a “senior assassin” prank involving gel bead guns turned perilous when a real firearm came into play, leaving one teen paralyzed from the waist down.

The event, initially reported by Fox News Digital, occurred in the vicinity of a Walmart in Goddard just before 5:00 p.m. on May 11. The Sedgwick Sheriff’s Office responded to the shooting that left 18-year-old Anakin Zehring severely injured with a gunshot wound to his back, hitting his kidney, liver, and spinal cord.

Anakin’s GoFundMe page stated,
“On May 11th, our lives changed forever when my son was involved in the tragic incident at the Goddard Walmart shooting. He sustained severe injuries, including a bullet wound that punctured his duodenum (upper part of the small intestine) and damaged his spinal cord, causing loss of sensation from the waist down. Despite undergoing four surgeries and intense medical care, his recovery journey is just beginning, and we need your help.”

The “senior assassin” game, a phenomenon stemming from social media, had high schoolers ‘assassinating’ each other using gel bead guns and water guns. It’s not uncommon for participants to share their experiences on various social platforms.

The calamity unfolded when Zehring and his friends shot their gel-bead guns at two teenagers outside the Goddard Walmart. Discrepancies arose regarding who fired the gel blaster, but it is undisputed that their actions led to the escalation of events.

Following the gel-bead gun incident, one of the targeted teenagers informed her father, Ruben Marcus Contreras, of the situation. Contreras, armed with a real firearm, located Zehring and his friends in a Chevrolet Spark in the Walmart parking lot. This is where the prank took a deadly turn, resulting in Contreras discharging his handgun into the vehicle, gravely wounding Zehring.

Contreras has since been charged with first-degree attempted murder for his actions.

As of this report, Zehring’s GoFundMe has garnered $12,074 towards their goal of $50,000. The fundraiser’s plea states, “Every donation, no matter how small, brings us one step closer to ensuring he gets the care and support he needs. We are eternally grateful for any assistance you can provide. If you cannot donate, your prayers and shares of this campaign are equally valuable in spreading the word.”

This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences when harmless pranks turn serious and underscores the importance of handling such situations with restraint and wisdom.


In the Kansas teen shooting incident involving a 'senior assassin' social media prank, who do you believe bears the greatest responsibility?

Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.

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8 Comments

8 Comments

  1. Robert Jenkins

    June 22, 2024 at 12:06 pm

    Number one If number one had not happpen the other things would not sobeen in play . But all so the other would not had happen with some common sence.

  2. Daniel Quigley

    June 22, 2024 at 12:31 pm

    It’s sad that some idiot so called adult feels it’s OK to bring a real gun to a water gun fight. I pray that idiot using his real gun never again walks this Earth as a free man spending the rest of his life in prison. My prayers go out to the young man he tried to kill as well as his friends who witnessed this deadly assault.

  3. Timothy

    June 22, 2024 at 1:40 pm

    the over reach of laws written by gov’t. (idiots) in Amerika, really believe they can stop natural selection. Only GOD chooses who lives and who dies. He is the giver of life. Silly man can only take life and destroy it.

  4. Gotcha

    June 22, 2024 at 2:01 pm

    There is not enough information in this article to make an informed opinion as to who is “more at fault”. After reading the immature comment, it could easily be said that the “idiot” was the person who has been watching movies like Gotcha and thought it would be a good idea to chase people around a crowded public space with realistic looking airsoft guns. Until more detailed information is provided there is no way to make an educated opinion of the “adult’s” actions.

  5. T Lau

    June 22, 2024 at 2:38 pm

    Your brain doesn’t work fast enough to determine if a gun is real or not. Anyone that plays with guns should understand that there are consequences if not played in a private gaming area. I feel bad that this happened to the boy, BUT those games should not be allowed in the open world. The Dad was wrong in shooting at a fleeing car, so they both bear responsibility.

  6. judy

    June 22, 2024 at 3:48 pm

    BOYS WILL BE BOYS. Men will be men, And a father’s reaction to a daughter lacking correct information is deadly.

  7. Jim

    June 22, 2024 at 5:03 pm

    For every stupid action there is likely to be at least one stupid reaction, if not more. If you are the person starting something (the perp) you have given the option of the
    reaction to the person you targeted. Yes, in this case, the reaction may be on the harsh side, but that’s how some people are.

  8. Jeff

    June 23, 2024 at 4:24 am

    Agree 100O% with Daniel.

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Preparedness

Ohio Homeowner’s Armed Response Ends Intruder’s Break-In Attempt

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An Ohio resident experienced a harrowing encounter early Sunday morning when he heard an unusual noise on his balcony. Upon investigating, he discovered an intruder inside his home.

According to Barb Wilson, a spokesperson for the West Chester police, the homeowner responded by opening fire, and the alleged intruder later succumbed to his injuries at a hospital. This incident took place in West Chester, a town located roughly 30 minutes north of Cincinnati.

Authorities were alerted to the situation around 5 a.m. at the 7500 block of Shawnee Lane. Wilson reported that initial findings suggest the homeowner heard suspicious activity outside and subsequently confronted the intruder within his residence.

Wilson noted that the homeowner is cooperating fully with the police investigation. However, the identity of the male suspect involved in the home invasion has not been released by authorities.

A neighbor, who resides across from the apartment complex where the event unfolded, expressed her shock and concern during an interview with WXIX-TV. She described the incident as “very shocking and disturbing,” adding that she never anticipated such an event occurring in her neighborhood. Her worries now extend to the safety of her children.

The community’s reaction, particularly on social media, has largely been supportive of the homeowner’s actions. One commenter remarked on the WXIX Facebook post, “Well … that’s the risk he assumed by choosing being a criminal instead of a decent productive citizen.” They acknowledged the consequences of the intruder’s choices, emphasizing personal accountability.

Another comment underscored the sentiment of many, stating, “This is the American way!” while a different user expressed gratitude for the Second Amendment with, “Thank God for 2A.”

Some commenters highlighted the financial implications, with one noting, “Taxpayers’ money saved,” and advising, “Don’t enter where you aren’t supposed to be, and you won’t get shot.”

A particularly vocal user stated, “If this goes to trial (and it should not), put me on the jury. I’ll thank him for saving future break-ins and possibly people’s lives and send him on his way.”

The incident has sparked a dialogue on personal safety and the rights of homeowners, with another user succinctly observing, “Guess he won’t be doing that anymore …” and declaring, “No crime by the homeowner.”


What is your opinion on the use of firearms by homeowners for self-defense in home invasion situations?

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Preparedness

German Activist Fined After Surviving Brutal Attack at Rally

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In a striking turn of events, a German activist known for his vocal criticism of political Islam has been fined by a regional court, following an attack on him earlier this year. Michael Stürzenberger, an activist with the Citizens’ Movement, Pax Europa, was among those injured during a stabbing spree by an Afghan migrant at an anti-jihad rally in Mannheim on May 31. The violent incident left him with severe injuries, including a stab wound to the thigh and a “gaping open wound” on his face.

Despite these traumatic events, Stürzenberger found himself facing legal repercussions for statements made at a rally in 2020. The Hamburg District Court had initially sentenced him to six months in prison for incitement, a decision that he appealed. Although the sentence was later suspended, the court ultimately upheld the conviction, imposing a fine of $3,804.65.

The charges against Stürzenberger stemmed from his comments on German immigration policy and his critique of political Islam. At the rally, he had pointed out that Muslim migrants from certain regions were disproportionately involved in crimes, and emphasized the need to address the influence of political Islam on women’s rights.

Stürzenberger clarified his stance, stating, “I have always spoken about political Islam. Always said: It is not against Muslims!” He further explained, “My criticism is only directed against the dangerous components of the ideology and those radicals who commit acts of violence as a result of it.”

The activist’s conviction is part of a broader trend in Germany, where individuals have faced legal consequences for expressing concerns about the impacts of mass immigration. This has been a contentious issue, especially as reports indicate a rise in violent crimes linked to immigrant populations.

German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser recently acknowledged challenges associated with young men of migrant backgrounds, who are often involved in acts of violence. She emphasized the need for effective education and integration programs to address these issues.

The situation has further highlighted safety concerns in German cities, with certain areas becoming increasingly unsafe for minorities. Berlin’s chief of police, Barbara Slowik, advised caution for individuals in specific neighborhoods, particularly those with significant Arab populations.

These developments underscore the complexities and tensions surrounding immigration and integration in Germany. As the country grapples with these issues, the case of Michael Stürzenberger serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between free expression and the need to address hate speech.


How should countries balance personal safety, free speech, and legal rights in cases involving criticism of religious or political groups?

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Preparedness

Clerk’s Quick Reaction Sparks Debate on Self-Defense Rights

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In a recent incident that has sparked considerable debate, a New Orleans convenience store clerk fatally shot a 16-year-old armed robber during an attempted robbery. The event unfolded when two armed individuals entered the store, demanding cash. Surveillance footage captured 16-year-old Cecil Batiz pointing a gun with an extended magazine at the clerk working at the cell phone counter of Sam’s Meat Market.

As the situation escalated, Batiz was seen stuffing cash and other items into his pockets. The other suspect, 18-year-old Teony Juarez, was wearing a black ski mask. As the suspects attempted to leave the store, the clerk retrieved a firearm and discharged it, striking Batiz in the abdomen, causing him to collapse. The surveillance video further showed the clerk stepping out of camera view, only to return moments later and fire additional shots at Batiz as he lay on the store floor. Batiz succumbed to his injuries later at a hospital.

Juarez, in the midst of the chaos, returned fire and sustained an injury to his right forearm while fleeing the scene. An unidentified woman transported Juarez to a hospital, where he was treated and subsequently arrested. Juarez faces multiple charges, including armed robbery, aggravated battery, and illegal use of a weapon, with his bond set at $170,000.

The store clerk has not been charged, and Loyola Law Professor Dane Ciolino expressed skepticism about the likelihood of charges being filed.
“That clerk was in an obviously high-stress situation and saw the perpetrator still moving with a gun, and it’s hard to second-guess his decision to use deadly force yet again.”

Ciolino also clarified that under Louisiana law, Juarez cannot be charged for Batiz’s death, as the fatal act was committed by the victim, not a co-felon.

Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams refrained from delving into case specifics but remarked,
“Once somebody puts a gun in your face, the rules change.”
He further noted,
“It’s painfully obvious to anyone who saw that video what those two people were doing in that store, and that shop owner did not ask for that exchange.”

Williams, who was elected in December 2020 with support from a PAC funded by George Soros, has recently undergone a shift in perspective regarding crime and punishment. This change came after a personal experience where he and his 78-year-old mother were victims of a carjacking. Following the incident, Williams recused himself from the carjacking case and acknowledged a transformation in his views, even reversing some of his previous campaign promises.


Should store clerks have the right to use a firearm in self-defense if threatened with a gun during a robbery?

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