Utah State University is banning the Orbeez Challenge from campus

LOGAN, Utah — In an effort to eliminate additional problems, Utah State University announced Thursday that it will no longer tolerate the Orbeez Challenge being performed on campus.

In a social media post Thursday, the university made its policy clear.

If you are caught participating in the challenge, or shooting anyone with an Orbeez gun, you will be arrested. Please continue to keep USU safe. pic.twitter.com/5vD3ka4vlh

— USU Public Safety (@usupublicsafety) April 14, 2022

Capt. Harris of the USU Department of Public Safety told KSL that the university has had three Orbeez Challenge shooting incidents in the past few weeks. 

He said in one case the victim just wanted to report the incident. However, the individual declined to file a report.

In the second incident, a vehicle was discovered, and three individuals were cited. 

The third incident involved a female, who was shot twice in the face. Police say she was struck in the cheek and in her glasses. Police further say that had the victim not been wearing glasses, she could have suffered a serious eye injury. This incident is still under investigation, according to authorities. 

Capt. Harris also tells KSL that the department appreciates those individuals who have come forward to report such incidents. He says this has become a serious safety hazard and the department wants individuals who witness any other incidents or has any information of incidents on campus or around the city of Logan to contact local police.

What is the Orbeez Challenge?

Investigators say individuals use toy guns to fire soft, jelly-like Orbeez beads at unsuspecting people. Police say it’s a trend that is happening all over the country.

 

Read more:

• Draper Police warn parents about dangerous TikTok trend using toy guns
• Utah AG Sean Reyes asks TikTok, Snapchat to better protect children

 

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