2 Teen Passengers Stabbed with Metal Fork on Flight from Chicago in Alleged Attack on Multiple People After Meal Service

Two teenagers were allegedly assaulted with a metal fork by a fellow passenger during a flight from Chicago to Germany.

According to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts, the incident occurred on Saturday, Oct. 25, aboard Lufthansa flight 431. A 17-year-old passenger reportedly woke to find 28-year-old Praneeth Kumar Usiripalli standing over him before being struck in the left clavicle with a fork. The teen had been “sleeping lightly” in the middle seat at the time of the attack.

A second 17-year-old passenger, seated to the right of the first victim, also suffered injuries when Usiripalli allegedly lunged at him with the same utensil, causing a laceration to the back of his head. Authorities said the attacks took place shortly after a meal service.

When flight attendants and other passengers intervened, Usiripalli allegedly made a gun gesture with his hand, placed it in his mouth, and mimed pulling the trigger. He then reportedly slapped a female passenger nearby and attempted to strike a crew member.

The disturbance forced the crew to divert the aircraft to Boston Logan International Airport, where law enforcement officers met the plane. Usiripalli was arrested and taken into custody.

He has been charged with one count of assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm while on an aircraft within the special jurisdiction of the United States. The charge carries a potential sentence of up to 10 years in prison and a fine of as much as $250,000.

Officials said Usiripalli, an Indian national, had previously entered the United States on a student visa to pursue a master’s degree in biblical studies but no longer has lawful immigration status.