University of Iowa fraternity suspended after cops find 56 pledges blindfolded in basement

A fraternity at the University of Iowa has been suspended after police found 56 pledges blindfolded in a basement.

The alleged hazing incident happened at the Alpha Delta Phi residence in Iowa City on Friday.

Police said the 56 blindfolded pledges had 'food thrown on them' in the frat house's basement, as reported by the Iowa City Press-Citizen.

Joseph Gaya, 21, was arrested and charged with interference with official acts after allegedly he reportedly 'stood in front of the officers in the doorway of the room full of pledges' and 'refused to move for officers.'

Gaya is not a UI student and does not live at the frat house, police said. He is accused of stepping in between two witnesses and a police officer they were speaking to.

Gaya allegedly told the witnesses 'not to talk to the police.' He was then asked to leave the house by the frat members.

When an officer continued trying to speak to the witnesses, Gaya reportedly said: 'You can f***ing leave, how about that?'

Gaya did not move even after the two witnesses said 'they were fine,' per court documents.

Officers discovered the scene after responding to a fire alarm at the house.

Hazing is banned at UI and is a simple misdemeanor in Iowa.

The University of Iowa's Office of Student Accountability cited the 'gravity of the situation' and has ordered the fraternity to suspend all operations until an investigation is completed.

Meanwhile the national Alpha Delta Phi fraternity also suspended the UI charter and has launched a third-party probe.

'The Alpha Delta Phi Fraternity is deeply disturbed by the recent hazing allegations involving our chapter at the University of Iowa,' the national Alpha Delta Phi fraternity told the Press-Citizen.

'As a fraternity, we stand firmly against all forms of hazing. Our values are rooted in fostering respect, integrity, and responsibility in all aspects of life.'

UI said they have contacted the affected students and offered counseling services and resources.

The school also asked anyone with relevant information or evidence to contact UI police or other officials.