Two Teenagers Stabbed on Lufthansa Flight with Metal Fork, Man Arrested in Boston

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A Lufthansa flight from Chicago to Germany was diverted to Boston after a man allegedly stabbed two teenage passengers with a metal fork during the in-flight meal service. The incident took place on Flight 431 from Chicago O’Hare International Airport to Frankfurt, prompting an emergency response once the plane landed safely at Logan International Airport.

According to federal prosecutors, 28-year-old Praneeth Kumar Usiripalli allegedly attacked two 17-year-old boys, striking one in the left clavicle and the other in the back of the head. The assault reportedly occurred shortly after meals were served on board.

Witnesses told investigators that the suspect became agitated before the attack. After stabbing the teenagers, he allegedly made a gun gesture with his fingers, placed it inside his mouth, and pretended to shoot himself. He then reportedly slapped a female passenger and attempted to hit a flight attendant, escalating panic among those onboard.

Cabin crew and passengers quickly restrained the man as pilots requested emergency clearance to land in Boston. Law enforcement officers arrested Usiripalli once the aircraft touched down, and the two teenagers received medical attention for non-life-threatening injuries.

The suspect was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon while on an aircraft, a federal offense carrying a potential penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Court documents indicate that Usiripalli had entered the United States on a student visa to study biblical programs but currently lacks a valid immigration status.

Lufthansa issued a statement confirming the incident and praising the crew for following safety protocols. The airline said passenger safety “remains the top priority” and that it is cooperating fully with authorities.

The case remains under federal investigation by the FBI’s Boston field office.