Indian National Charged with Violent Metal Fork Attack on Teens During International Lufthansa Flight

An Indian national has been charged with violently attacking multiple passengers aboard a Lufthansa flight from Chicago to Germany, according to a statement released by the US Attorney's Office for the District of Massachusetts.

Praneeth Kumar Usiripalli, 28, allegedly used a metal fork to stab two 17-year-old passengers during the international flight. Court documents reveal that the first victim was asleep in a middle seat when he awoke to find Usiripalli standing over him before being stabbed in the shoulder area. The accused then immediately attacked a second teenager, stabbing him in the back of the head with the same utensil, causing a laceration.

The incident escalated further when Usiripalli, after being confronted by crew members, made a disturbing gesture by forming his hand into an imaginary pistol, placing it in his mouth, and mimicking pulling the trigger. He subsequently slapped a female passenger and attempted to assault a crew member as well.

Due to the serious nature of the disturbance, the flight was diverted to Boston Logan International Airport, where authorities took Usiripalli into custody. Officials noted that the accused currently lacks "lawful status" in the United States, having previously entered the country on a student visa for a master's program in biblical studies.

Usiripalli has been formally charged in US District Court with one count of assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm while traveling on an aircraft in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States. If convicted of this serious charge, he could face severe penalties including up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a potential fine of up to $250,000.

The FBI Boston office has confirmed their involvement in the case through an official statement regarding the charges against the Indian national.