Viral Bodycam Footage Shows Hazing Ritual at University of Iowa Frat

The incident led to the fraternity's suspension until 2029.

Feb. 23, 2026 at 10:55pm

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Bodycam footage of authorities discovering nearly 60 people standing motionless in the basement of the Alpha Delta Phi fraternity house at the University of Iowa has gone viral. The footage shows pledges who were found shirtless and covered in various substances as part of a 'ritual' leading up to their initiation.

Why it matters

The incident has drawn comparisons to a scene from the movie "Weapons" and highlights the ongoing issue of hazing at college fraternities, which is prohibited at the University of Iowa and is considered a misdemeanor under Iowa law.

The details

According to a criminal complaint, the Iowa City Police and Fire Department, along with the University of Iowa Police, were responding to a fire alarm at the fraternity house in Nov. 2024 when they made the discovery. The fraternity president stated that the pledges were participating in a 'ritual where they're blindfolded and get messed with' as part of their initiation. Following an investigation, the University of Iowa suspended the Alpha Delta Phi fraternity until 2029.

  • The incident occurred in November 2024.
  • The bodycam footage was posted on X on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

The players

Alpha Delta Phi fraternity

A fraternity at the University of Iowa that was suspended until 2029 following the hazing incident.

Iowa City Police and Fire Department

The authorities who responded to the fire alarm and discovered the hazing incident at the fraternity house.

University of Iowa Police

The university's police force that assisted in the response to the hazing incident.

Fraternity president

The individual who identified himself as the president of the Alpha Delta Phi fraternity and stated that the incident was part of a 'ritual' leading up to initiation.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing issue of hazing at college fraternities and the need for stricter enforcement and education to prevent such dangerous and unethical practices.