Lufthansa flight flew for 10 minutes without conscious pilot, investigation reveals
Share this @internewscast.com

A Lufthansa flight en route from Chicago to Frankfurt had to make an emergency landing on October 25 after a man reportedly attacked two teenagers with a metal fork during a disruptive incident, officials reported.

Federal authorities have charged 28-year-old Praneeth Kumar Usiripalli, an Indian national, with assault in connection to the events on Lufthansa Flight 431.

Due to the situation, the aircraft was redirected to Boston Logan International Airport, as stated by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts.

Lufthansa planes

Following the incident, Usiripalli was accused of assault with a dangerous weapon with the intent to cause bodily harm while aboard an aircraft under U.S. jurisdiction, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

The charging documents revealed that the altercation began shortly after meal service, when a 17-year-old passenger, who had been napping lightly, awoke to find Usiripalli standing over him.

The release also said charging documents allege that shortly after meal service, a 17-year-old passenger who had been lightly asleep awoke to find Usiripalli standing over him.

Usiripalli allegedly stabbed the teen who was sleeping in the left clavicle with a metal fork, then lunged at another 17-year-old seated nearby, striking him in the back of the head with the same utensil, per the release.

The second victim suffered a laceration to the rear of his head.

When crew members intervened, prosecutors said, Usiripalli raised his hand in the shape of a gun, placed his fingers in his mouth, and mimed pulling the trigger.

Lufthansa

Praneeth Kumar Usiripalli faces federal assault charges after allegedly stabbing two 17-year-old passengers with a fork on a Lufthansa flight from Chicago. (Reuters)

He then allegedly turned toward a female passenger and slapped her across the face before attempting to slap a flight attendant.

Officials said the disturbance prompted the flight’s diversion to Boston, where law enforcement officers met the aircraft and took Usiripalli into custody.

According to prosecutors, Usiripalli had previously entered the United States on a student visa and was most recently enrolled in a master’s program in biblical studies. He currently lacks lawful immigration status.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office said Usiripalli is expected to appear in federal court in Boston at a later date.

Fox News Digital has reached out to Lufthansa for comment.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
'Erratic fire behavior': 30-acre Putnam County wildfire now 90% contained

Putnam County Wildfire: 30-Acre Blaze Exhibits Erratic Behavior, Now 90% Contained

A wildfire spanning 30 acres reached 90% containment by Thursday evening, after…
The search so far: Investigation into Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance in photos

Unraveling the Mystery: In-Depth Photo Investigation into Nancy Guthrie’s Disappearance

Photo 1 of 12 next On Wednesday, February 4, police cordoned off…
Former FBI agent urges caution as surveillance video of man in Guthrie area circulates web

Ex-FBI Agent Warns of Privacy Risks as Guthrie Surveillance Footage Gains Online Attention

A recent incident in Tucson has captured public attention after surveillance footage…
Illinois primary elections 2026: Early voting in Chicago starts Thursday with new supersite at State, Adams streets

Illinois 2026 Primary Elections: Chicago Launches Early Voting with New State-Adams Supersite

In Chicago, early voting has officially kicked off, marking a significant change…
Man charged in NYC antisemitic stabbing is released on bail

Controversial Release: NYC Antisemitic Stabbing Suspect Out on Bail Sparks Outrage

A young man, aged 23, has been charged with a hate crime…
18-year-old arrested in double shooting at Orange Park apartment complex

18-Year-Old Apprehended in Connection with Double Shooting at Orange Park Apartment Complex

Authorities have charged Dimond Crawford with four counts of attempted murder following…
Trump meets Netanyahu, says he wants Iran deal but reminds Tehran of ‘Midnight Hammer’ operation

Trump Engages with Netanyahu, Expresses Desire for Iran Deal while Citing ‘Midnight Hammer’ Operation

Trump, Netanyahu meet at White House amid Iran talks Peter Doocy from…
US Marine declared dead after search following fall from USS Iwo Jima

Tragic Incident: US Marine Confirmed Dead After Fall from USS Iwo Jima

A U.S. Marine was tragically declared deceased after falling overboard during operations…
'Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette' trailer drops as Ryan Murphy's series explores romance, fame and fallout

Unveiling the Glamour and Tragedy: Ryan Murphy’s New Series Explores the Epic Love Story of JFK Jr. & Carolyn Bessette

LOS ANGELES — The captivating romance between Carolyn Bessette and John F.…
Uthmeier: Rhode Island man being extradited to Florida for grooming child on online platforms

Rhode Island Man Faces Extradition to Florida Over Online Child Grooming Charges

According to the Attorney General, the suspect and the minor communicated through…
Under Trump’s Direction, DOT Moves to Bar Unvetted Foreign Drivers From U.S. Trucking Industry

Trump Administration Enforces Stricter Regulations to Exclude Unvetted Foreign Drivers from U.S. Trucking Industry

The Trump administration announced a significant safety overhaul on Wednesday, aimed at…
Immigration authorities had surveilled Marimar Martinez, Chicago woman shot 5 times during 'Operation Midway Blitz': CBP Report

Revealed: The Shocking Surveillance of Chicago’s Marimar Martinez Before Operation Midway Blitz Shooting

CHICAGO (WLS) — Marimar Martinez, a Chicago resident, was shot by federal…