AI-generated illustration; not a photograph of the reported event.
- calendar_today November 9, 2026
Fraternity Suspended Following Shocking Video
Ohio State University has placed the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity on interim suspension as authorities investigate a disturbing social media video that appears to show two men engulfed in flames. The decision was announced amidst growing concerns over the incident and the safety of students involved.
The Viral Incident: What the Video Shows
The video, widely shared online, depicts one individual with his sweatpants on fire. The man then lunges at a second person and tackles him, resulting in the second man's clothing catching fire as well. Both individuals are seen rolling on the ground and removing their clothes in an effort to extinguish the flames, while several bystanders intervene to help.
University and Police Response
Benjamin Johnson, a spokesperson for Ohio State University, confirmed that the institution had taken swift action by suspending the fraternity. "The university is aware of this extremely concerning incident, and the individuals in question are receiving medical care," Johnson stated. He added, "Ohio State is committed to a safe and healthy environment and expects students and student organizations to uphold that commitment and the university's values."
The matter has been referred to both university officials and the Columbus police department. Columbus Police Sgt. Joe Albert indicated that the incident seems to have occurred on Saturday, but no calls for police service were made at the scene. The police were informed of the video when it began circulating on social media, with the first report coming in on Sunday evening.
Fraternity's National Organization Issues Statement
Steve Mitchell, CEO of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, addressed the situation in a public statement. "We take this matter seriously and are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident while working closely with university officials and local law enforcement," Mitchell said. He emphasized that behavior violating the organization's standards has no place in Sigma Alpha Epsilon and that those responsible will be held accountable based on the investigation’s findings.
Ongoing Investigation and Campus Reaction
The university has made it clear that an investigation is underway and that it expects student organizations to adhere strictly to its values and regulations. More than 60,000 students are currently enrolled at Ohio State's Columbus campus, highlighting the issue's significance within the university community.
As of now, no further details regarding the condition of those involved or potential disciplinary actions have been disclosed. Both university and fraternity leaders are urging anyone with information about the incident to cooperate with investigators as they work to determine the circumstances that led to the event documented in the viral video.
Source: abcnews.com.
