Ohio State fraternity suspended after video shows two men on fire

Ohio State University placed Sigma Alpha Epsilon on interim suspension Sunday pending a full investigation into video of two young men seemingly on fire. The university called it an 'extremely concerning incident' and said it had referred the matter to law enforcement. '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,' its statement said.

The footage shows one person in a sweatsuit on the ground with his pants engulfed in flames. He stands up and tackles another man in a matching sweatsuit, setting the second person's clothing alight. Both then run around trying to tear off their clothes while others step in to stamp out the flames.

Columbus police said the incident appeared to happen Saturday on a block near the university. No calls came in that day; the department was alerted Sunday once the video started circulating. Officers are now working with OSU and the Columbus Division of Fire's Arson Unit to determine whether any criminal acts occurred.

Steve Mitchell, CEO of the fraternity's national headquarters, told NBC News on Monday that Sigma Alpha Epsilon is investigating the circumstances and working closely with authorities. 'Behavior that violates these standards has no place in our organization,' Mitchell said, adding that the fraternity will take appropriate action based on what the investigation finds.

Sigma Alpha Epsilon was founded March 9, 1856, at the University of Alabama, and its rolls have included former President William McKinley, author William Faulkner, actor Sam Elliot and NFL coach Pete Carroll. A 2013 Bloomberg report dubbed it the 'deadliest frat,' counting nine deaths tied to drinking, drugs and hazing between 2006 and 2013 — more than any other Greek organization — along with discipline at more than 100 universities and 15 shuttered chapters.

The national headquarters eliminated pledging in 2014, replacing it with what it called the 'True Gentleman Experience.' At the University of New Hampshire in 2022, 46 members of an SAE chapter were charged with hazing over a 'talent show' incident; three were acquitted at trial, the New Hampshire Union Leader reported, after a judge found the event was not tied to pledging or continued membership.