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.
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.
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.
