A Disturbance Turns Chaotic at National Event
A former speech and debate champion from Cheyenne, Wyoming, was arrested Thursday after causing a panic that forced the evacuation of a packed auditorium at a national high school speech and debate tournament in Des Moines, Iowa.
The Incident
Des Moines police identified the suspect as 22-year-old Roccaforte, a four-time national and one-time international forensics champion.
According to police, he faces one count of disorderly conduct and two counts of drug possession, the latter of which is classified as a “serious misdemeanor.”
Roccaforte took the stage around 3 p.m. during a live competition round. Eyewitnesses reported that he acted erratic and made disturbing remarks.
“He said, ‘You all want to hear a joke?’—in a strange voice,” one attendee told KCCI News. “He said, ‘You should probably leave.'” When another contestant asked, “Run?” the audience fled in panic.
No weapons were discovered, and officers on the scene quickly apprehended Roccaforte.
Event Paused, Safety Reassured
The National Speech & Debate Association confirmed that the incident happened during the humorous interpretation round. In a public statement, the organization noted, “The incident scared students and other attendees present,” but assured that no one was harmed. The tournament was paused Thursday and resumed Friday with a revised schedule.
No School Affiliation at the Time
Despite initial reports, Roccaforte had no official role in the event. According to Mary Quast, a spokesperson for Laramie County School District No. 1, “He was not at the event in connection with the East Cheyenne team, nor is he affiliated with the school as either an employee or volunteer.”
Lisa Icenogle of Casper College echoed this, noting that Roccaforte no longer attends the college and was not representing them at the event.
Background on Roccaforte
Roccaforte’s only previous criminal record in Wyoming is a 2021 speeding ticket. A 2024 blog post on One Clap Speech and Debate praised his previous accomplishments and mentioned his intention to resume collegiate speech at Western Kentucky University after taking a mental health break.
