IOWA CITY, Iowa — A chilling police bodycam video from a hazing incident at the University of Iowa has gone viral, amassing millions of views since its upload to YouTube on Tuesday.

The footage, captured during a response to a fire alarm in November 2024, shows dozens of shirtless, blindfolded fraternity pledges covered in food, standing silently in a dark basement at the Alpha Delta Phi fraternity house. Responding to the alarm at the fraternity house, Iowa City police and firefighters discovered 56 pledges in the basement, as reported by the Iowa City Press Citizen, leading to an investigation by the university and a four-year suspension of the chapter until 2029.

According to the NY Post, the bodycam footage reveals officers entering the basement and finding the large group of pledges in a dimly lit room. An officer can be heard noting, “Looks like we have quite a bit of hazing.”

Disturbing Basement Scene Captured on Camera

Despite multiple commands to evacuate the area, the pledges remained still and silent. One officer narrated the situation, saying, “I’ve already given multiple commands to clear the room and get out of here, but no one’s moving.”

Officers sought to identify someone in authority, repeatedly asking for the person “in charge” or the “house dad.” No immediate response came from the group during this tense exchange.

Among those present was Joseph Gaya, a 21-year-old who introduced himself as “Jose” while standing in a doorway wearing a white hoodie and drinking a beer. Gaya handed over an ID to an officer, casually remarking, “I think it’s fake.”

Fraternity Leadership Responds to Officers

Another individual, who identified himself as the fraternity president, spoke with police on camera. He described the event as part of the “lead-up to initiation” for the pledges.

Gaya also offered his own explanation to officers, calling the gathering a “celebration of life.” Meanwhile, an officer expressed frustration, asking, “Does anyone want to be forthcoming on what’s going on? Anyone?”

The officer continued, “Because you’ve got to see it from my perspective of, ‘What the f— did I just walk into?’” This raw reaction underscored the unsettling nature of the scene.

Legal Fallout and University Action

The day after the incident, Gaya was arrested and charged with interference with official acts, according to court records obtained by The Post. However, the charges were later dropped after the state motioned to dismiss the case.

A University of Iowa spokesperson clarified to the Iowa City Press Citizen that Gaya was not enrolled as a student at the time of the event. This detail added another layer to the investigation.

Following a thorough review, the university imposed a four-year suspension on the Alpha Delta Phi chapter, barring its operations until 2029. This decision reflected the severity of the hazing allegations.

Lessons to Learn

As this disturbing incident gains attention, it’s critical to reflect on how to prevent similar events and protect young adults in university settings. While no one can predict every situation, there are proactive steps to consider. It’s vital to remember that crime or harm can happen to anyone, and we must never blame victims for the actions of others.

To stay safer in group environments like fraternities or sororities, consider these tips:

1) Always research an organization’s history and reputation for hazing before joining, as past incidents can signal potential risks

2) Trust your instincts—if an activity feels wrong or unsafe, speak up or leave, even if it means facing peer pressure

3) Know your rights and campus resources, such as anti-hazing hotlines or counselors, who can provide support anonymously.

Finally, fostering open dialogue with peers about the dangers of hazing can create a culture of accountability. Encourage friends to look out for one another during initiation processes. Above all, let’s reinforce that victims are never at fault for the choices of those who perpetrate harmful acts.

Why This Story Matters

This story resonates deeply within the University of Iowa community and beyond, shedding light on the persistent issue of hazing in college environments. It serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers hidden behind traditions or rites of passage. The viral nature of the footage amplifies the urgency to address these practices before they escalate further.

The suspension of Alpha Delta Phi until 2029 sends a message, but it also prompts questions about how universities can better monitor and prevent such events. This incident challenges students, parents, and administrators to prioritize safety over outdated customs. It’s a call to action for stronger policies and education on campuses nationwide.

In conclusion, this hazing incident at the University of Iowa, captured on bodycam in November 2024, involved 56 shirtless, blindfolded pledges covered in food during a fire alarm response at Alpha Delta Phi, leading to Joseph Gaya’s brief arrest, later dismissed, and the fraternity’s four-year suspension until 2029. The viral footage, viewed millions of times since Tuesday, has sparked renewed concern over campus safety. It remains a sobering example of the risks tied to harmful initiation practices.