Man Accused Of Stabbing 2 Teens With Metal Fork During Flight

A Lufthansa flight from Chicago to Germany was diverted to Boston on Saturday (October 25) after a man allegedly stabbed two teenage passengers with a metal fork. Praneeth Kumar Usiripalli, 28, was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office in Massachusetts. The incident occurred on Lufthansa flight 431 en route to Frankfurt, Germany.

Usiripalli, an Indian national, allegedly attacked a 17-year-old male passenger, striking him in the shoulder with a fork while he was asleep. He then allegedly stabbed another 17-year-old male passenger in the back of the head, causing a laceration. Following the attack, Usiripalli reportedly made a gun gesture with his fingers, pretended to pull the trigger, and slapped a female passenger. He also attempted to slap a flight crew member.

The flight was diverted to Boston Logan International Airport, where Usiripalli was taken into custody. He was in the United States on a student visa for a master's program in biblical studies but currently lacks lawful status in the country. If convicted, Usiripalli faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. He is expected to appear in federal court in Boston at a later date.

Lufthansa stated that the diversion was necessary due to the behavior of an unruly passenger. The airline provided hotel accommodations for all passengers and rebooked them on the next available flights.