A Lufthansa flight from Chicago to Frankfurt diverted to Boston on Saturday after an Indian national passenger allegedly stabbed two 17-year-old boys with a metal fork during meal service, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Massachusetts.
Prosecutors said the suspect, Praneeth Kumar Usiripalli, 28, first struck one teen in the left clavicle and then stabbed a second teen in the back of the head, causing a laceration. He then allegedly made a “finger gun” gesture, mimed shooting himself, slapped a female passenger, and tried to slap a crew member.
Flight attendants held him back, and the captain landed the plane at Boston Logan International Airport, where the man was apprehended by law enforcement, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.
Usiripalli previously entered the United States on a student visa and most recently studied biblical studies at the master’s level, officials said. He currently lacks lawful status. A court appearance in Boston is expected at a later date.
If convicted, the charge carries up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine up to $250,000. The case is being handled by the Major Crimes Unit. The allegations are contained in charging documents; the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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