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
Flight delays become more common as air traffic controllers go without pay during shutdown

Government Shutdown Sparks Surge in Flight Delays as Unpaid Air Traffic Controllers Struggle

In the bustling city of San Francisco, a pressing concern is unfolding…
Hamas hands over remains of hostage whose body was recovered nearly 2 years ago

Hamas Returns Remains of Hostage After Nearly Two Years: A Significant Step in Humanitarian Efforts

On Tuesday, Israel revealed that it had received from Hamas, through the…
Asking Eric: Wife struggles to keep holiday special after husband’s dementia diagnosis

Navigating Holiday Traditions: Wife Seeks Joy Amid Husband’s Dementia Battle

Dear Eric: My husband is struggling with dementia, and his condition is…
Rifle behind Charlie Kirk’s killing may be untraceable relic from WWI

Key Hearing Delayed as Charlie Kirk’s Alleged Attacker Remains Unseen in Court Appearance

Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old suspect in the shooting of Turning Point USA…
Back to the Future for the GOP, Part II: The Trump Tariffs Are Helping the GOP

GOP Turns to Trump-Era Tariffs for Renewed Economic Strategy

In an unusual and bold step, Ontario’s provincial government has stepped into…
Florida sets record with 15th execution as man dies for 1998 rape, murder of neighbor

Florida Reaches Historic 15th Execution Mark with 1998 Neighbor Crime Case

Florida marked its 15th execution of the year on Tuesday, setting a…
Bill Gates pivots climate strategy to focus on poverty over carbon emissions reduction

Bill Gates Shifts Climate Focus: Prioritizing Poverty Alleviation Over Carbon Emissions Reduction

Bill Gates is advocating for a strategic shift in addressing climate change…
Blue city repeat offender linked to college student murder charged with new violent crimes after soft sentence

Repeat Offender in Blue City Faces New Charges for Violent Crimes Following Lenient Sentence in College Student Murder Case

One of the teenagers from New York City, previously implicated in the…
Journalist found dead after reporting on cartel boss arrest

Investigative Journalist Tragically Dies Following Report on Drug Cartel Leader’s Capture

The lifeless body of a Mexican journalist known for his coverage of…
Find free food near you: Pantries and upcoming giveaways in Jacksonville

Discover Free Food Options: Upcoming Pantry Events and Giveaways in Jacksonville

Food insecurity remains a pressing issue for countless Americans, and the current…
Air traffic controllers union warns of growing delays amid government shutdown

Union of Air Traffic Controllers Highlights Escalating Delays Due to Government Shutdown

On Tuesday, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy appeared at LaGuardia Airport alongside…
Woodfield Mall fire: Navy Sailor William Thompson helps rescue man from burning car at Macy's store parking garage in Schaumburg

Heroic Navy Sailor Saves Man from Fiery Car at Woodfield Mall Parking Garage

A Navy Sailor was among the brave individuals who sprang into action…