Lufthansa flight makes emergency landing after passenger allegedly stabs two teens with metal fork

A Lufthansa flight from Chicago to Frankfurt was diverted to Boston Logan International Airport following an onboard incident in which a 28-year-old passenger allegedly stabbed two 17-year-old boys with a metal fork.

"We sincerely regret the inconvenience this situation has caused and appreciate our passengers’ patience and understanding," the airline said. "The safety and well-being of our passengers and crew are always Lufthansa’s highest priority."

The suspect, Praneeth Kumar Usiripalli was arrested upon landing and charged with one count of assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm while traveling on an aircraft. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.


According to the Department of Justice website, the incident occurred approximately two hours into the flight. Following meal service, one of the victims, identified as Minor A, was sleeping lightly in a middle seat when he awoke to find Usiripalli standing over him. Usiripalli allegedly struck Minor A in the left clavicle area with the metal fork. He then allegedly lunged toward Minor B, seated to Minor A’s right, and struck him in the back of the head with the same fork, causing a laceration.

Flight attendants attempted to subdue Usiripalli, but he allegedly resisted by forming a gun with his fingers, placing it in his mouth, and pulling an imaginary trigger. He also reportedly slapped a female passenger and attempted to slap a flight crew member.

According to the AP News website, Usiripalli had been admitted to the United States on a student visa and was enrolled in a master's program in biblical studies at Moody Theological Seminary in Chicago. However, as of the time of the incident, he no longer had lawful status in the country.

According to the USA Today website, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has reported over 1,200 incidents of unruly passenger behavior this year, underscoring the growing concern over in-flight disturbances.