Disturbing Footage Shows Shirtless, Blindfolded University of Iowa Pledges in Frat Basement

Police body cam video captures dozens of pledges covered in food during hazing incident at Alpha Delta Phi fraternity

Feb. 24, 2026 at 4:15am

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Disturbing police body camera footage from a hazing incident at the University of Iowa captured legions of shirtless and blindfolded frat pledges covered in food in a dark basement. The video shows officers responding to a fire alarm and discovering 56 pledges behind a basement door, with one fraternity member, Joseph Gaya, identified as uncooperative with police.

Why it matters

The incident highlights ongoing concerns about hazing and dangerous initiation rituals at college fraternities, which have led to numerous injuries and deaths over the years. The University of Iowa ultimately suspended the Alpha Delta Phi fraternity for four years as a result of the incident.

The details

The body camera footage, which has gone viral online, shows police and firefighters responding to a fire alarm at the Alpha Delta Phi fraternity house in November 2024. As officers made their way to the basement, they discovered 56 shirtless and blindfolded pledges covered in food. One fraternity member, Joseph Gaya, was uncooperative with police, identifying himself as "Jose" and suggesting the activity was a "celebration of life." Gaya was arrested but later had the charges dropped.

  • The incident occurred in November 2024 at the University of Iowa.
  • Gaya was arrested the following day and charged with interference of official acts.
  • The University of Iowa suspended the Alpha Delta Phi fraternity for four years, until 2029.

The players

Joseph Gaya

A 21-year-old fraternity member who was uncooperative with police during the incident, identifying himself as "Jose" and suggesting the activity was a "celebration of life."

Alpha Delta Phi fraternity

The University of Iowa fraternity where the hazing incident took place, leading to a four-year suspension by the university.

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What’s next

The University of Iowa is expected to review its policies and procedures around fraternity oversight and hazing prevention in the wake of this incident.

The takeaway

This disturbing case highlights the ongoing problem of hazing and dangerous initiation rituals at college fraternities, which have led to serious injuries and even deaths in the past. It underscores the need for stronger oversight and enforcement to protect student safety.