A Lufthansa flight traveling from Chicago to Germany was unexpectedly diverted to Boston on Saturday following a violent incident involving a passenger. According to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Massachusetts, a man allegedly stabbed two passengers with a metal fork during the flight.
The accused, identified as 28-year-old Indian national Praneeth Kumar Usiripalli, reportedly attacked two unidentified 17-year-old passengers. One was struck in the shoulder, while the other sustained a stab wound to the head, as detailed in a press release from the U.S. Attorney's Office.
According to the press release, the incident occurred shortly after meal service. Minor A, one of the victims, was described as lightly sleeping in a middle seat when he awoke to find Usiripalli standing over him. It is alleged that Usiripalli used his right hand to stab Minor A in the left clavicle area with a metal fork. Subsequently, he turned his aggression towards Minor B, seated to the right of Minor A, and struck him in the back of the head, causing a laceration.
Flight crew members quickly intervened in an attempt to subdue Usiripalli. However, he reportedly raised his hand, formed a gun shape with his fingers, and pretended to pull an imaginary trigger. In an alarming escalation, Usiripalli also turned to a nearby female passenger and slapped her, and he allegedly attempted to slap a flight crew member as well.
Due to the escalating disturbance, the flight was diverted to Boston Logan International Airport, where Usiripalli was taken into custody by local authorities. The U.S. Attorney's Office has charged him with one count of assault with a dangerous weapon, which carries serious legal implications, especially while traveling on an aircraft.
In a statement addressing the incident, Lufthansa confirmed that the flight diversion was necessary due to the unruly behavior of a passenger. As a result, the onward flight to Frankfurt did not proceed as planned. The airline assured passengers that they were provided with hotel accommodations and were rebooked on the next available flights.
Usiripalli, who was in the U.S. on a student visa pursuing a master’s program in biblical studies, faces significant legal consequences. If found guilty, he could face up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. He is scheduled to appear in federal court in Boston on a date that has yet to be determined.
This incident highlights the ongoing concerns regarding safety on flights and the importance of addressing unruly behavior promptly to ensure the safety of all passengers and crew members.
ABC News reporters Ayesha Ali and Clara McMichael contributed to this report.
