Ohio State suspends Sigma Alpha Epsilon after viral video of men on fire
The university has placed the fraternity on interim suspension and referred the incident to local police following the circulation of a video showing two members engulfed in flames.
By Amit Ricci ·
Ohio State University has temporarily suspended its Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity while authorities investigate a widely shared video that depicts two men reacting with panic as they are engulfed in flames. The incident has drawn significant attention from both the academic community and local law enforcement, prompting a swift response from university officials.
The footage, which has spread rapidly across social media platforms, captures a chaotic scene. It shows one individual whose sweatpants have caught fire. In a sudden move, this person lunges at a second individual and tackles him to the ground. As the first man strikes the second, the latter’s clothing also ignites. Both men are seen rolling on the ground in an effort to extinguish the flames, removing their clothing in the process while several onlookers rush in to intervene.
Benjamin Johnson, a spokesperson for the university, confirmed that Ohio State placed the fraternity on interim suspension pending the outcome of its investigation. He stated that the matter has been formally referred to both the university’s internal review process and the Columbus police department to ensure a thorough examination of the events.
Johnson emphasized that the university is aware of the deeply concerning nature of the incident. He noted that the individuals involved are currently receiving medical care. The statement reinforced Ohio State’s commitment to maintaining a safe and healthy environment, noting that students and student organizations are expected to uphold these values at all times.
Local authorities have also weighed in on the timeline of the event. Columbus Police Sergeant Joe Albert indicated that the incident appears to have occurred on Saturday. However, the police did not receive any direct calls for service at the location at the time. The matter came to their attention on Sunday evening when someone reported that the video was circulating online.
The national leadership of the fraternity has also issued a response. Steve Mitchell, the CEO of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, stated that behavior which violates the organization’s high standards has no place within its ranks. He assured the public that the fraternity will take appropriate action to hold those responsible accountable, based on the findings of the ongoing investigation.
Mitchell added in a statement that the organization takes the matter very seriously. He highlighted that they are actively investigating the specific circumstances surrounding the incident. Furthermore, the fraternity is working closely with university officials and local law enforcement to resolve the situation.
The incident has occurred on the university’s main campus in Columbus, which is home to a large student body. More than 62,000 students are currently enrolled at the institution, making the temporary suspension of a major fraternity a significant event for the student community.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on the well-being of the individuals involved and the broader implications for student life at the university. The collaboration between the fraternity, the university, and the police aims to clarify the sequence of events and determine the next steps for the suspended organization.
The quick dissemination of the video underscores the role of social media in shaping public perception of campus events. With multiple stakeholders involved, the resolution of this case will likely provide insights into how universities manage high-profile incidents involving student organizations.
