BOSTON, MA – A 28-year-old Indian national has been charged in federal court after allegedly stabbing two teenage passengers with a metal fork aboard a Lufthansa flight traveling from Chicago to Frankfurt, forcing the plane to divert to Boston.
Federal prosecutors say the suspect, identified as Praneeth Kumar Usiripalli, was taken into custody after the Oct. 25 incident and now faces one count of assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm while on an aircraft.
Authorities said both victims, 17-year-old male passengers, suffered stab wounds before flight attendants and crew members subdued the suspect midair.
Key Points
• Praneeth Kumar Usiripalli, 28, charged with assault aboard Lufthansa flight 431
• Two 17-year-old passengers were stabbed with a metal fork before the flight diverted to Boston
• Usiripalli faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted
Attack occurred mid-flight over the Atlantic
According to charging documents, the incident happened shortly after meal service as passengers began settling in for the overnight flight. Investigators allege that one teen awoke to find Usiripalli standing over him before being stabbed in the shoulder with a metal fork. Moments later, Usiripalli allegedly lunged toward another teen seated nearby and struck him in the back of the head with the same utensil, causing a laceration.
Crew intervenes as passengers subdue suspect
The criminal complaint states that when crew members attempted to restrain Usiripalli, he raised his hand, formed a gun shape with his fingers, placed it in his mouth, and mimicked firing. He then allegedly slapped a nearby female passenger and attempted to strike a flight attendant. The situation prompted the captain to divert the flight to Boston Logan International Airport, where federal and state authorities met the aircraft and took Usiripalli into custody.
Authorities detail suspect’s background
According to federal officials, Usiripalli was previously admitted to the United States on a student visa and was most recently enrolled in a master’s program in biblical studies. He no longer holds lawful immigration status in the country.
Federal investigation underway
U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley announced the charges Monday, alongside officials from the FBI and Massachusetts State Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Allegra Flamm of the Major Crimes Unit. If convicted, Usiripalli faces up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.
Authorities credited U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection for assisting in the investigation.