Leah B. Foley United States Attorney for the District of Massachusetts | Department of Justice
An Indian national has been charged in federal court after allegedly stabbing two teenage passengers with a metal fork during an international flight. Praneeth Kumar Usiripalli, 28, faces one count of assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm while traveling on an aircraft under the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States.
According to charging documents, the incident occurred on October 25, 2025, aboard Lufthansa flight 431 from Chicago to Frankfurt. Usiripalli is accused of stabbing a 17-year-old male passenger in the shoulder area and then stabbing another 17-year-old male in the back of the head using the same fork. The second victim suffered a laceration to his head.
The documents state that after meal service, one victim awoke to find Usiripalli standing over him before being struck in the clavicle area. Usiripalli then allegedly attacked the second minor seated nearby. When crew members intervened, Usiripalli reportedly made a gesture simulating shooting himself and then slapped both a female passenger and attempted to slap a crew member.
Due to the disturbance, the flight was diverted to Boston Logan International Airport where law enforcement took Usiripalli into custody.
Authorities said that Usiripalli had previously entered the United States on a student visa and was most recently enrolled in a master’s program in biblical studies. He currently does not have lawful status in the country.
If convicted, Usiripalli could face up to ten years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine up to $250,000. Sentencing will be determined by a federal district court judge according to U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley announced the charges along with officials from the FBI Boston Division and Massachusetts State Police. Assistance came from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations as well as U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Allegra Flamm is prosecuting.
Authorities emphasized that "the details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law."
