Ohio State Suspends Sigma Alpha Epsilon Over Video of Two Men Burning
The university placed the fraternity on interim suspension after a clip of two men rolling in flames circulated online, though the specific link between the house and the incident remains unconfirmed.
By Kevin Iyer ·
Ohio State University has temporarily suspended the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity while officials review a viral video depicting two men whose clothing caught fire. The incident occurred outside, where a group of onlookers wearing red and white observed the event. The suspension follows the rapid spread of the footage on social media platforms.
Benjamin Johnson, a spokesperson for the university, confirmed that the school referred the matter to both university police and the Columbus Police Department. The university stated that the individuals involved are receiving medical care. Johnson noted that the institution expects student organizations to maintain a safe environment. He added that the school is aware of the concerning nature of the event.
The video shows a man sitting on the ground with his sweatpants on fire. He moves to tackle a second person, causing the second man's clothing to ignite. Both men roll on the ground to remove their burning clothes. Several bystanders intervene during the struggle. One person is seen holding a small fire extinguisher while others shout and laugh.
Columbus Police Sgt. Joe Albert indicated that the event likely took place on Saturday. Police did not receive a direct call for service at the location at that time. However, a report was filed Sunday evening when the video began circulating online. The police department is now investigating the circumstances surrounding the clip.
Steve Mitchell, the CEO of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, said that behavior violating the organization's standards has no place in the group. He stated that the fraternity is actively investigating the incident in cooperation with university officials and local law enforcement. Mitchell said the organization will take appropriate action to hold those responsible accountable based on the findings.
The university has not yet determined how the fraternity is specifically linked to the event. It is also unclear whether the two men who burned are students or what their condition was on Monday. The episode occurs while more than 60,000 students are enrolled at the institution.
