Who is Praneeth Kumar Usiripalli? Indian national arrested in US for stabbing two teens with fork midflight 

According to US Department of Justice released statement, the Indian national was identified as 28-year-old Praneeth Kumar Usiripalli.

He has been charged in U.S. District Court with one count of assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm while travelling on an aircraft in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States.

"Usiripalli was arrested on Oct. 25, 2025 and will appear in federal court in Boston at a later date," the Department said.

According to the charging documents, on Oct. 25, 2025, while on board Lufthansa flight 431 en route from Chicago to Frankfurt, Germany, Usiripalli allegedly stabbed a 17-year-old male passenger (Minor A) in the shoulder area with a metal fork.

 Usiripalli then allegedly stabbed a second 17-year-old male passenger (Minor B) in the back of the head with the same metal fork

"Specifically, following meal service, Minor A was sleeping lightly in a middle seat when he allegedly awoke to see Usiripalli standing over him. It is alleged that Usiripalli used his right hand to strike Minor A in the left clavicle area with a metal fork. Usiripalli then allegedly lunged toward Minor B – who was seated to Minor A’s right in a middle seat in the center row of the aircraft – and struck Minor B in the back of his head with the fork. Minor B suffered a laceration to the rear of his head," the statement said.

When flight crew members attempted to subdue Usiripalli, he allegedly raised his hand, formed a gun with his fingers, put it in his mouth and pulled an imaginary trigger, the department said.

"Immediately afterwards, Usiripalli allegedly turned toward a female passenger to his left and slapped her with his hand," the department said.

The department said Usiripalli also allegedly attempted to slap a flight crew member.

Flight diverted to Boston

As a result of the disturbance, the flight was diverted to Boston Logan International Airport, where Usiripalli was immediately taken into custody.

Who is Praneeth Kumar Usiripalli?

Usiripalli was previously admitted to the United States on a student visa.

Most recently, he was enrolled in a master’s program in biblical studies.

Usiripalli presently does not have lawful status in the United States.

What charges is the Indian national facing?

The charge of assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm while traveling on an aircraft in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000.

Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes that govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.