Boston — An Indian national, identified as Praneeth Kumar Usiripalli, 28, has been arrested and charged in the United States after allegedly stabbing two teenage passengers and assaulting others aboard a Lufthansa flight from Chicago to Frankfurt, prompting an emergency diversion to Boston Logan International Airport.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts, Usiripalli allegedly attacked a 17-year-old boy, stabbing him in the shoulder with a metal fork as he slept in his seat. Moments later, he reportedly lunged at another 17-year-old, stabbing him in the back of the head with the same weapon. Both teens sustained injuries but survived.
Court filings state that after the attack, Usiripalli made a gun gesture, pretended to shoot himself, then slapped a female passenger and attempted to strike a flight attendant before being restrained by crew members.
The aircraft diverted to Boston, where authorities took Usiripalli into custody. Officials said he is currently without lawful U.S. immigration status, having previously entered the country on a student visa while enrolled in a master’s program in biblical studies.
He faces one count of assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm while aboard an aircraft under U.S. federal jurisdiction.
If convicted, Usiripalli could face up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.
Authorities have not disclosed a possible motive for the attack.