Viral disturbing bodycam footage shows dozens of shirtless, blindfolded University of Iowa pledges covered in food in frat basement

Police-worn body camera footage from a disturbing hazing incident at the University of Iowa has recently surfaced, showcasing a shocking scene of shirtless and blindfolded frat pledges covered in food in a dark basement. The video, which has garnered millions of views on social media since being uploaded to YouTube, depicts police and firefighters responding to a fire alarm at the Alpha Delta Phi fraternity in November 2024, as reported by the Iowa City Press Citizen.

Upon entering the basement of the fraternity house, officers discovered 56 shirtless and blindfolded pledges surrounded by splattered food. The officers immediately recognized the situation as hazing and attempted to clear the room, but the pledges remained motionless, creating an eerie atmosphere in the dark room.

Authorities repeatedly asked for someone in charge or the “house dad” to come forward. One man, later identified as Joseph Gaya, stood in the basement doorway drinking a beer and identified himself as “Jose.” He nonchalantly interacted with the officers, even jokingly offering for them to taste the substance on a pledge’s neck.

Gaya was ultimately arrested and charged with interference of official acts, but the charges were later dropped. The University of Iowa conducted an investigation into the incident and subsequently suspended the fraternity for four years until 2029.

The bodycam footage serves as a disturbing reminder of the dangerous and harmful practices of hazing within college fraternities. It highlights the need for strict enforcement of anti-hazing policies and the importance of educating students about the dangers of such activities.