Who is Praneeth Kumar Usiripalli? Indian Man Charged for Stabbing Two Teenagers with a Fork on Lufthansa Flight

A shocking incident unfolded aboard a Lufthansa flight from Chicago to Frankfurt on Saturday, when 28-year-old Indian national Praneeth Kumar Usiripalli allegedly stabbed two teenage passengers with a metal fork and attempted to assault a flight crew member.

The violent outburst forced the flight to divert to Boston Logan International Airport, where the suspect was immediately taken into custody by authorities.

Who Is Praneeth Kumar Usiripalli?

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts, Praneeth Kumar Usiripalli is an Indian citizen who had previously been in the United States on a student visa.

He was reportedly enrolled in a master’s program in biblical studies, but officials confirmed that he no longer holds lawful status in the country.

Details of the In-Flight Attack

Authorities say the incident occurred mid-flight after the meal service. One of the 17-year-old victims was sleeping in the middle seat when he woke up to find Usiripalli standing over him and stabbing him near the collarbone with a metal fork.

Moments later, Usiripalli allegedly lunged at another teenager seated nearby and stabbed him in the back of the head using the same fork.

When crew members tried to intervene, officials said Usiripalli pretended to shoot himself by forming a gun with his fingers and putting it in his mouth before turning toward a woman and slapping her. He also attempted to slap a flight attendant who stepped in to restrain him.

Flight Diverted to Boston

Due to the escalating situation, the Lufthansa pilots decided to divert the plane to Boston for safety reasons. The suspect was arrested upon landing by federal law enforcement officers and charged with one count of assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm while traveling on an aircraft.

The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000, according to federal prosecutors.

Ongoing Investigation

The U.S. Attorney’s Office has stated that Usiripalli will appear in federal court in Boston at a later date. Investigators are still looking into his motives and mental state at the time of the incident.

The FBI and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are assisting in the investigation. CNN reported that they are still working to confirm whether the suspect has an attorney representing him.

Aviation Concerns Amid Rising Tensions

This incident comes at a time when the aviation industry is already facing heightened tension, delays, and staffing shortages amid the ongoing government shutdown in the United States.

Experts say such violent mid-air disruptions underline the urgent need for stricter passenger screening and crew safety protocols during international flights.