Ohio State University investigating fraternity after video appears to show two people on fire
An Ohio State University fraternity is being investigated after video of two young men seemingly on fire circulated online over the weekend.The Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity was placed on “interim suspension” pending a full investigation, according to a statement Sunday from OSU.
The administration described it as an “extremely concerning incident” and noted that it 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,” the statement said.The video posted online starts with someone in a sweatsuit on the ground with his pants engulfed in flames.
That individual gets up and tackles another person in a matching sweatsuit, resulting in the second person’s clothing being ignited.Both of the men then run around and attempt to shed their clothing while others come in to help them stamp out the flames, according to the video.
The incident appeared to occur Saturday on a block near the university, according to a statement from the Columbus Police Department.There were no initial calls about the matter Saturday but the department was alerted Sunday about the video that was circulating online.“We will be working with the Ohio State University, as well as the Columbus Division of Fire’s Arson Unit to determine if any criminal acts occurred,” police said.
The fraternity’s national headquarters is also aware of the video, Steve Mitchell, CEO of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, said in a statement to NBC News on Monday.Mitchell said that the fraternity is actively investigating the circumstances and working closely with the relevant authorities.“Sigma Alpha Epsilon holds its collegiate members to high standards of conduct and accountability,” Mitchell said.
“Behavior that violates these standards has no place in our organization.We are committed to holding those responsible accountable and will take appropriate a...