Variant of "Knockout Game" targets those with nose piercings

A warning to all those who have a pierced septum: a new form of the "knockout game" is gaining popularity in US cities. Now unofficially known as "Grabbing the Bull", several attacks have been reported in the San Francisco Bay area, Portland, Seattle, and other major metropolitan areas.

The object of the game is simple, according to bystanders we talked to. First the game participant locates a person with a septum piercing, or "bull ring" as the game is named after. The attacker jumps on the victim's back and grabs hold of the piercing with both hands. The goal of the game is to "ride the bull" as long as possible without being thrown off. Victims of the game have suffered from injuries including  cuts, bruises, broken bones, sore back, and fractured ankles. In some cases, victims have had their piercing ripped off as their attacker is thrown off. Although no reported deaths have occurred from the game, nearly 60% of all victims have ended up in the hospital.

If you have a piecing like this, you might be in danger.
(Image Source)

"I had to take my friend to the hospital today after she got attacked. Some big dude jumped on her back and she couldn't handle him," said the friend of a victim, who's name we withheld. "I hope she doesn't get attacked again after she recovers."

Unlike the "Knockout game", "Grabbing the Bull" does not require a cameraman to take video of the action, meaning few perpetrators have been caught so far. Police are on high alert and advise anyone who has a septum piercing to avoid being out in public or to remove it until the game loses popularity.