Ohio State suspends Sigma Alpha Epsilon after fiery video goes viral

Ohio State University placed the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity on interim suspension on Monday. The action follows an investigation into a video that shows two men covered in flames outside a crowded event. Benjamin Johnson, a university spokesperson, confirmed the suspension is temporary while officials review the incident.

The footage surfaced on social media and quickly spread. It depicts a large group of people, many wearing red and white university colors, standing outdoors. In the center of the clip, a man sits on the ground with his sweatpants on fire. He moves to tackle a second individual, and the second man's clothing also ignites. Both men roll on the ground to extinguish the fire and pull off their burning clothes. Several bystanders step in to help, and one person is seen holding a small fire extinguisher.

Columbus Police Sergeant Joe Albert said the incident appeared to happen on Saturday, November 7. Police did not receive an initial call for service at the location. Officers learned about the event on Sunday evening when a resident reported that the video was circulating online. The case has been referred to both university police and the Columbus Police Department.

Johnson stated that the two individuals are receiving medical care. He noted that the university expects students and organizations to reflect its core values during such events. The university has not yet disclosed how the fraternity is directly linked to the gathering or if the burned men are enrolled students. The exact medical condition of the individuals was not specified as of Monday.

Steve Mitchell, the CEO of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, addressed the situation in a statement. He said that behavior violating the organization's high standards has no place within the fraternity. Mitchell confirmed the group is actively investigating the circumstances and working closely with university officials and local law enforcement. The fraternity plans to hold those responsible accountable once the investigation is complete.

The student body at Ohio State University numbers more than 60,000 students. The university has not released further details regarding the specific timeline of the suspension or the final outcome of the police investigation.