Ohio State University has placed its Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity chapter on interim suspension following the emergence of a disturbing video that appears to show two men engulfed in flames during an alleged hazing incident.
The footage, which circulated widely on social media over the weekend, prompted a flurry of reports to local authorities by Monday.
Columbus police confirmed they received a 911 call on Sunday evening from a person who had seen the video in a sorority group chat. “They set their pledges on fire, and there’s a video of it.
And I just want to send it in so that something gets done about it,” the caller told dispatch, according to CBS News. The caller further alleged, “They put gasoline on him and lit him on fire, and then just kind of stood there and laughed.”
Police Investigate Burns from Dangerous Activity
While the video has become a focal point of the investigation, Columbus police noted they did not receive any direct calls for service regarding the incident on the night it reportedly occurred, which was Saturday.
On Tuesday, police released a preliminary report confirming that two victims sustained second- and third-degree burns during what authorities described as a “dangerous” activity. The report remains heavily redacted, and the identities of the victims have not been disclosed.
Columbus Police Sgt. Joe Albert stated that investigators are currently working to piece together the timeline of the event. The department has confirmed that SAE President George Limperis provided a statement to officers, though details of that conversation have not been made public. The university has since referred the matter to both campus police and the Columbus Division of Police for further inquiry.
The Visual Evidence
The video, which has drawn intense scrutiny, shows a large gathering of individuals, many dressed in the university’s signature red and white colors. In the footage, a man sitting on the ground is seen with his sweatpants ablaze.
As he lunges toward a second individual in a state of panic, he tackles that person, causing the second man’s clothing to also ignite. Bystanders are seen attempting to intervene as both men roll on the ground to extinguish the flames.
University spokesperson Benjamin Johnson addressed the incident in a statement Monday, confirming that the school is aware of the situation. “The university is aware of this extremely concerning incident, and the individuals in question are receiving medical care,” Johnson said. “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.”
Institutional Accountability
Sigma Alpha Epsilon’s national leadership has responded to the crisis by pledging full cooperation with law enforcement and university officials. CEO Steve Mitchell issued a statement emphasizing that the organization maintains strict codes of conduct that prohibit the behavior depicted in the video.
“Sigma Alpha Epsilon holds its collegiate members to high standards of conduct and accountability. Behavior that violates these standards has no place in our organization. We are committed to holding those responsible accountable and will take appropriate action based on the findings of the investigation,” said Mitchell.
The university, which serves more than 60,000 students at its Columbus campus, has not provided a specific timeline for the conclusion of its investigation.
For now, the chapter remains suspended, and the legal implications for those involved—ranging from potential student conduct code violations to criminal charges—remain dependent on the findings of the ongoing police probe. Authorities have not yet confirmed the specific substances used or the full extent of the circumstances that led to the incident.
