Incident Overview
A man is facing federal charges after he allegedly stabbed two teens with a metal fork on a flight from Chicago to Germany, causing the flight to divert to Boston.
Charges and Suspect Information
According to federal prosecutors, Praneeth Kumar Usiripalli, a 28-year-old Indian national, was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm while traveling on an aircraft in connection with the October 25 incident.
Flight Details
Usiripalli was on Lufthansa Flight 431, which departed Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport bound for Frankfurt, Germany on Saturday.
Incident Description
During the flight, it is alleged that Usiripalli stood over a sleeping 17-year-old, and when the victim awoke, he stabbed him in the left shoulder with a metal fork.
The suspect then allegedly lunged at a second 17-year-old, stabbing him in the back of the head with the fork.
The suspect then allegedly slapped a female passenger and attempted to slap a flight crew member before he was finally subdued, federal officials said.
Aftermath and Consequences
The flight was diverted to Boston’s Logan International Airport, and Usiripalli was taken into custody.
Federal officials said the suspect did not have lawful status in the United States, and had previously been in the country on a student visa.
Usiripalli faces up to 10 years in federal prison on the assault charges, along with a fine of up to $250,000.
Conclusion
The incident highlights the importance of maintaining safety and security on flights, and the need for effective measures to prevent and respond to violent behavior. The consequences of such actions can be severe, and it is crucial for passengers and crew members to be aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious behavior.
FAQs
Q: What were the charges against Praneeth Kumar Usiripalli?
A: Usiripalli was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm while traveling on an aircraft.
Q: What was the incident that led to the charges?
A: Usiripalli allegedly stabbed two teens with a metal fork on a flight from Chicago to Germany.
Q: What were the consequences for Usiripalli?
A: Usiripalli faces up to 10 years in federal prison on the assault charges, along with a fine of up to $250,000.
Q: What was the status of Usiripalli in the United States?
A: Usiripalli did not have lawful status in the United States and had previously been in the country on a student visa.
