A fire alarm led first responders to a fraternity basement where dozens of silent, blindfolded pledges were lined against a wall in what authorities described as a suspected hazing scene.
According to the Daily Mail, police and firefighters entered the Alpha Delta Phi house at the University of Iowa on Nov. 15, 2024, after the alarm sounded, according to bodycam footage released later.
Inside the dark basement, 56 shirtless young men stood shoulder to shoulder, many blindfolded, barefoot, and covered in food and liquid.
“This is the police department, this stops here,” an officer shouted. “Who is in charge?”
No one answered.
“I’ve already given multiple commands to clear the room and get out of here, but no one’s moving,” the officer added as the pledges remained still.
Another officer commented on the smell while descending the stairs as they tried to identify whoever controlled the house.
When questioned, the students said their “house dad” was responsible but claimed he was at work and unreachable.
One man in the home appeared to try to block an officer from entering the basement, which was later noted by police.
Officers said the scene appeared to be hazing, which is a criminal misdemeanor prohibited by the university.
During the search, Joseph Gaya, 22, was seen observing the investigation, drinking and vaping. At one point he asked an officer if he wanted to “taste” a red substance on a pledge’s neck while police checked for injuries.
As officers began checking IDs, Gaya launched into an outburst, telling them to conduct the checks elsewhere and insisting there was no fire.
“You got nothing, you got nothing, you got f***ing nothing. There’s no fire here, there’s no nothing,” he said, before using a slur against an officer.
Gaya was arrested the following day and charged with interference with official acts. The charge was dismissed about a year later.
He was not a University of Iowa student and did not live at the house.
“This past year has been challenging, but I’m thankful the case was dismissed, and the truth was recognized,” Gaya told KCRG 9. “I deeply appreciate the time, effort, and dedication my attorneys, Dan Vondra and Brianna Potts, put into resolving this case. I’m looking forward to putting this behind me and focusing on the future.”
The university said it “took immediate action” after responders found dozens of blindfolded pledges.
“The university is committed to protecting the health and safety of its students and will address any behavior that puts student safety at risk,” the statement read, adding that fraternities must follow the Code of Student Life and complete required training.
Alpha Delta Phi was suspended for four years and cannot be reinstated until July 1, 2029.
The fraternity said it maintains a “zero-tolerance hazing policy,” noting an independent investigation removed those responsible and that the chapter participates in hazing prevention programming.
Police said the house dad later arrived and cooperated with officers as they worked to determine who was in charge.
