Plane Diverted To Boston After Passenger Stabs 2 Teens With Fork: Feds

BOSTON, MA — A flight to Germany was diverted to Boston after a passenger stabbed two teens with a fork, the U.S. Attorney's Office said.

The accused stabber — 28-year-old Praneeth Kumar Usiripalli — was arrested and slapped with a federal charge 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, the U.S. Attorney's Office said in a news release.

See also: Norovirus Outbreak On Ship Docked In Boston

Usiripalli was aboard a Lufthansa flight from Chicago to Frankfurt Saturday when he stabbed one 17-year-old in his shoulder and another 17-year-old in the back of his head with a metal fork "following meal service," according to the release.

The first teen was "sleeping lightly in a middle seat when he allegedly awoke to see Usiripalli standing over him," the release said.

Usiripalli stabbed the teen "in the left clavicle area with a metal fork," according to the release, then lunged toward the second teen, who was seated next to the first teen and stabbed him in the back of his head.

"When flight crew members attempted to subdue Usiripalli, he allegedly raised his hand, formed a gun with his fingers, put it in his mouth and pulled an imaginary trigger," the release said. "Immediately afterwards, Usiripalli allegedly turned toward a female passenger to his left and slapped her with his hand."

See also: 3 Prisoner Deaths In 30 Days At MCI-Norfolk Under Investigation By Massachusetts State Police

Usiripalli also attempted to slap a flight crew member, according to the release.

"As a result of the disturbance, the flight was diverted to Boston Logan International Airport, where Usiripalli was immediately taken into custody," the release said.

See also: These Beloved Businesses Permanently Closed In MA In 2025

Lufthansa "made every effort" to get passengers hotel accommodations in the Boston area and rebook them on the next available flights, according to an email from Christina Semmel, manager of North American corporate communications for the airline.

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

A citizen of India, "Usiripalli was previously admitted to the United States on a student visa," according to the release.

"Most recently, he was enrolled in a master’s program in biblical studies," the release said. "Usiripalli presently does not have lawful status in the United States."

See also: Boston Man Unwanted At Casino But Wanted By The Law, Police say