Man attacks two teens with a metal fork whilst onboard a Lufthansa flight from Chicago to Germany causing an emergency landing on Oct. 25. Federal prosecutions are being taken against the 28 year-old Praneeth Kumar Usiripalli.
Man Attacks Two Teens Stabbed Mid-Flight in Vicious Attack
Indian national, Praneeth Kumar Usiripalli who was studying for a masters degree on a student visa in the U.S, is to be allegedly charged for assault with a dangerous weapon with the intent to do bodily harm after stabbing two 17 year-olds mid-flight to Germany.
Reports via U.S Attorneys office, District of Massachusetts share that Usiripalli stood over sleeping 17-year old before lunging and stabbing him in the left collarbone with a metal fork, and then hurling a brutal attack with the same weapon at another 17 year-old in the head.
Officials share in a statement that the second teenager suffered a laceration to the back of the head.
Whilst he was attempted to be subdued by crew members onboard, the attacker allegedly raised his hand into a ‘gun-finger’ motion before pointing it towards his mouth and motioning the action of pulling the trigger, officials share to media outlets.
Following his motions, he immediately took to slapping a female passenger across the face following his vicious attack, and attempting to attack another female crew member.
Arrested and Federal Prosecutions Underway
As Usiripalli was detained onboard by trained crew, the flight was immediately diverted to Boston Logan International Airport, where the attacker was arrested by authorities upon arrival.
The attacker was taken into custody, and prosecutors have now charged Usiripalli which could sentence him up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. He will appear in federal court in Boston at a later date.
More updates will be underway following prosecutions.
