At the 2025 National Speech & Debate Tournament in Des Moines, Iowa, students and attendees faced a harrowing disturbance when an individual caused a panic that resulted in one arrest. The event, which drew students from South Florida and other regions, was disrupted when a man jumped onto the stage and appeared to reach into his backpack. According to NBC Miami, the man's actions prompted fears of a weapon or bomb and led to an immediate evacuation.
Broward County Judge Francis Viamontes, who was present at the Iowa Events Center to watch her daughter participate, was one of the individuals who intervened during the incident. As reported by the South Florida Sun Sentinel, Viamontes and another parent tackled the man onstage. Viamontes stressed securing the suspect's hands to prevent any further threat. The man, later identified as Jayden Michael Roccaforte, was detained by police and is facing charges of disorderly conduct and possession of a controlled substance.
In the midst of the confusion, many attendees suffered minor injuries while making their escape from the venue. The National Speech and Debate Association confirmed on social media that no weapons were involved, and following the incident, the venue was thoroughly checked for potential threats by law enforcement. Enhanced security measures were put in place for subsequent events, and therapy dogs attended Friday's competition to provide support.
The presence of Judge Viamontes and her quick reaction was attributed to her active shooter training experience, which she applied to the situation to help diffuse the potential threat. Viamontes told the South Florida Sun Sentinel, "That training kicked in, and that’s where I made the decision to run on stage and try and do what I can to subdue him." The remainder of yesterday's competition was postponed, and the incident was acknowledged by actor and singer Josh Gad, one of the event judges, who expressed his shock and admiration for the courage of those present.
The event resumed the following day with increased security. Footage and reports from the scene documented a setting of spilled drinks, discarded chairs, and left-behind personal belongings, painting a vivid picture of the scramble that ensued.
