Ohio State Halts Sigma Alpha Epsilon After Video Shows Two Men Engulfed in Flames
The university suspended the fraternity following a viral clip from Saturday, as police and the national organization launch separate investigations.
By Sanjay Caldwell ·
More than 60,000 students are currently enrolled at Ohio State University, where the school has placed Sigma Alpha Epsilon on interim suspension. This action follows the release of a video showing two men in severe distress outside a residence.
The footage, shared widely on social media, captures a large group of people wearing the university's red and white colors. Many are seen laughing and shouting while one man sits on the ground with his sweatpants on fire. He then lunges at a second individual and tackles him. The second man's clothing also ignites. Both men roll on the ground to remove their clothing while several onlookers intervene. One person in the crowd holds a small fire extinguisher.
University spokesperson Benjamin Johnson confirmed the suspension in a statement. The school has referred the matter to both university and Columbus police. Johnson stated that the individuals in question are receiving medical care. The university has not disclosed how the fraternity is linked to the event, whether the burned men are students, or the specific condition of the individuals on Monday.
Columbus Police Sgt. Joe Albert indicated the incident appears to have occurred on Saturday. No calls for service were received at the location at the time. Police were notified on Sunday evening when someone reported the video was circulating online.
Steve Mitchell, the CEO of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, addressed the incident in a statement. He said behavior that violates the organization's high standards has no place in the group. The national fraternity said it will hold those responsible accountable based on the findings of the investigation. Mitchell added that the organization is working closely with university officials and local law enforcement.
The suspension of the chapter comes as fraternities face renewed national scrutiny. This follows a lawsuit filed by a former Cornell University student alleging she was gang raped at a fraternity party in 2024.
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