Praneeth Kumar Usiripalli Charged After Allegedly Stabbing 2 Teenagers with Metal Fork on Lufthansa Flight from Chicago to Germany

Two teenage passengers were allegedly attacked with a metal fork by a fellow traveler during a Lufthansa flight from Chicago to Germany, prompting an emergency diversion to Boston Logan International Airport.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts, Praneeth Kumar Usiripalli, 28, was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm while traveling on an aircraft after the shocking mid-flight incident on October 25.

Attack During Flight

Authorities say a 17-year-old boy was sleeping in the middle seat of Lufthansa Flight 431 when he awoke to find Usiripalli standing over him. The man allegedly stabbed the teen in the left clavicle with a metal fork used during the in-flight meal service.

Praneeth Kumar Usiripalli Charged After Allegedly Stabbing 2 Teenagers with Metal Fork on Lufthansa Flight from Chicago to Germany

Another 17-year-old boy seated nearby suffered a laceration to the back of his head after Usiripalli allegedly lunged at him with the same fork.

Following the attacks, Usiripalli reportedly gestured with his hand as if forming a gun, placed it in his mouth, and mimed pulling the trigger, prosecutors said.

Disturbance and Arrest

Flight attendants and passengers intervened as Usiripalli allegedly slapped a female passenger and attempted to strike a crew member. The disturbance forced the aircraft to divert to Boston, where law enforcement met the plane and took Usiripalli into custody.

Praneeth Kumar Usiripalli Charged After Allegedly Stabbing 2 Teenagers with Metal Fork on Lufthansa Flight from Chicago to Germany

Authorities said the 28-year-old Indian national had entered the U.S. on a student visa while studying for a master’s degree in biblical studies, but he no longer holds lawful immigration status.

If convicted, Usiripalli faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

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