Federal authorities have charged Praneeth Kumar Usiripalli, 28, of India, after he allegedly stabbed two teenage passengers aboard a Lufthansa flight traveling from Chicago to Germany on October 25.
According to court documents, Usiripalli faces federal charges of assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm while on an aircraft.
The criminal complaint states that during the flight, Usiripalli allegedly stabbed two 17-year-old male passengers — one in the shoulder and another in the back of the head. When crew members and passengers intervened, he reportedly made a hand gesture resembling a gun, placed it in his mouth, and pretended to pull the trigger.
Prosecutors also allege that Usiripalli slapped a female passenger and attempted to strike a flight attendant before being restrained.
Due to the disturbance, the flight was diverted to Boston Logan International Airport, where federal agents arrested Usiripalli upon landing.
Lufthansa later issued a statement expressing regret for the incident, saying:
“During this period of high hotel occupancy in the Boston area, Lufthansa made every effort to ensure that all passengers were provided with hotel accommodations and were rebooked on the next available flights. We sincerely regret the inconvenience this situation has caused and appreciate our passengers’ patience and understanding. The safety and well-being of our passengers and crew are always Lufthansa’s highest priority.”
Authorities revealed that Usiripalli was in the United States on a student visa and had most recently been enrolled in a master’s program in biblical studies.
If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.
The investigation is ongoing, and Usiripalli remains in federal custody pending court proceedings.
