Jayden Roccaforte, 22, a former four-time national speech and debate champion, triggered chaos at the 2025 National Speech and Debate Tournament in Des Moines, Iowa, after unexpectedly storming the stage. His actions sparked a mass stampede, leaving thousands of attendees fleeing in fear and event officials scrambling to regain control.
A video that went viral shows Roccaforte swaying on stage with a backpack, delivering a strange “knock knock” joke before crouching as if to pull something from his bag. This behavior caused immediate panic, with one audience member asking, “Run away?” Shortly afterward, a large crowd began to evacuate the venue.
Police charged Roccaforte with disorderly conduct and two counts of drug possession following the incident on June 19.
While the school district initially stated Roccaforte had no official ties to their speech and debate program, evidence suggests otherwise. Screenshots show he was part of a group chat with East High students and coaches days before the event.
Roccaforte, who once starred at Cheyenne East High School, has been scrutinized for his access to current students. A blog from August 2024 noted that he coached East High students post-graduation.
Currently a student at West Kentucky University, Roccaforte reportedly attended the tournament independently but was seen wearing an orange “attendee” ribbon, indicating approval by a school under tournament rules.
Parents and students confirmed Roccaforte traveled with the East High team throughout the day, sharing meals and transport in a school district vehicle. One student remarked he was “just hanging out” since there was no one to coach at that time.
That same evening, East High head coach Marcus Viney sent an email clarifying Roccaforte’s attendance was independent and to celebrate a team award. The following day, assistant coach Ashley Schulz warned students against speaking with the media, stating only the district would comment.
Despite requests for further clarification, school officials have remained silent on the matter
