Morgantown, West Virginia — Police searched two fraternity houses at West Virginia University as part of an ongoing hazing investigation, drawing hundreds of students and onlookers who watched officers carry bags out of the residences.

Search warrants were served Monday at the Lambda Chi Alpha and Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity houses in Morgantown, according to the West Virginia University Police Department. Videos shared by the university’s student newspaper, The Daily Athenaeum, showed officers leaving the properties with what appeared to be bags of evidence.

Authorities have not disclosed what the bags contained or provided further details about the evidence collected. No arrests or criminal charges had been announced in connection with the investigation at the time of the report.

Police Search Two WVU Fraternity Houses

The searches are part of an ongoing investigation into hazing allegations involving the two fraternity houses.

Footage posted on Instagram by The Daily Athenaeum showed officers leaving the residences as crowds gathered along sidewalks and in neighboring yards. Hundreds of people were reportedly watching the police activity.

Morgantown Police Chief Eric Powell said local officers were present to support the university police department. The WVU Police Department confirmed the searches but said it could not release additional information because the investigations remain ongoing.

“West Virginia University takes seriously the safety and well-being of our students,” police said.

“Due to the nature of the investigations, no other details will be released at this time. We will provide updates as they become available.”

Officials have not publicly identified the specific conduct under investigation or clarified whether the searches are connected to the same allegations.

Lambda Chi Alpha Placed Under Interim Suspension

The investigation comes after West Virginia University placed its Lambda Chi Alpha chapter under an interim suspension on October 9.

According to the report, the university took the action three days after campus police issued a warning following anonymous reports of hazing.

The suspension followed what the university described as multiple reports, although officials have not publicly disclosed the precise nature or number of the allegations.

Under the interim suspension, the Lambda Chi Alpha chapter cannot hold social events, recruit members or conduct new-member programs while the allegations are reviewed.

An interim suspension is an administrative measure and does not, by itself, establish that the allegations have been proven.

Pi Kappa Alpha, the other fraternity whose house was searched, remains registered with the university’s Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life. It was not listed as being under an interim suspension in the information provided.

Students React as Investigation Unfolds

The police searches attracted significant attention from students living near the fraternity houses.

West Virginia freshman Madison McGough described her reaction to seeing the investigation unfold close to where students live.

“The fact that it’s just happening here, actually right there, right by our homes, is insane. It’s crazy,” McGough said Tuesday.

The visible police presence and the uncertainty surrounding the investigation have drawn attention to student safety and the university’s response to reports of hazing. However, authorities have not released enough information to establish exactly what allegedly occurred at either fraternity house.

What Does WVU Say About Hazing?

West Virginia University has publicly stated that it does not tolerate hazing or other dangerous activities that threaten student safety.

“WVU has zero tolerance for hazing or any dangerous activities that threaten student safety or well-being,” the university said on its website.

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“The University is committed to providing a safe environment for students, faculty, and staff.”

Under WVU’s Campus Student Code, hazing is prohibited for individuals and recognized student organizations. The policy includes conduct such as beatings, branding and the forced consumption of alcohol, food or drugs.

Campus crime warnings may also be issued under the federal Clery Act when certain reported crimes are considered to pose a serious or continuing threat to the campus community. Such warnings are intended to help students and employees remain informed about potential safety concerns.

Hazing Concerns Extend Beyond West Virginia

The WVU investigation comes amid broader scrutiny of hazing and misconduct associated with fraternity life at colleges across the country.

A September 16 report from HazingInfo cited in the original report identified at least 556 hazing incidents reported nationwide between July 2025 and August 2026. Roughly one in six U.S. colleges and universities reportedly recorded at least one incident during that period.

Those figures highlight the continuing attention given to hazing prevention, student protection and accountability within campus organizations.

For now, the searches at West Virginia University remain part of an active investigation. Authorities have not announced arrests or charges, and the contents of the bags removed from the fraternity houses have not been confirmed.

Do you think colleges should take stronger steps to prevent hazing and protect students? Share your thoughts in the comments below.