More than 50 half-naked students found in dirty basement during alleged fraternity hazing ritual

20 Feb 2026 • 1:31 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

image is not available

This is the moment police found more than 50 half-naked, blindfolded fraternity pledges standing in a dirty basement during an alleged hazing ritual.

University of Iowa police officers and emergency crews responded to a fire alarm at the Alpha Delta Phi fraternity on the night of November 15, 2024.

Footage shows officers ordering the fraternity pledges to evacuate after spotting them standing silently in the dark basement.

Hazing is a criminal misdemeanor in Iowa, defined as any reckless or dangerous act that risks the health and safety of a student for initiation or admission into a university organization. It is illegal in 44 states.

Following the incident, the Alpha Delta Phi fraternity was suspended for four years.

Read More

Police save injured bald eagle stranded on ice

Cash machines ripped from Co-op in cherry picker ram-raid

This is the last time a royal family member was arrested

View Original Article