Lufthansa flight diverted to Boston after passenger allegedly stabs two teenagers mid-air

A Lufthansa flight from Chicago to Frankfurt was forced to make an emergency diversion to Boston on Saturday after a passenger allegedly attacked two teenage boys with a metal fork during the meal service.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts and the FBI Boston Division, Praneeth Kumar Usiripalli, 28, an Indian national, has been charged with assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm while travelling on an aircraft. The incident occurred aboard Lufthansa Flight LH431, operated by a Boeing 747-8 (registration D-ABYQ), on October 25, 2025.

Prosecutors allege that during the flight from Chicago O’Hare International Airport to Frankfurt, Germany, Usiripalli attacked two 17-year-old male passengers seated near him. According to court documents, one of the victims (identified as Minor A) was lightly sleeping when he awoke to find Usiripalli standing over him and felt a sharp pain in his shoulder. Usiripalli allegedly struck Minor A with a metal fork before lunging toward Minor B, seated nearby, and stabbing him in the back of the head. Minor B sustained a laceration to the rear of his scalp.

When flight attendants and other passengers intervened, Usiripalli allegedly raised his hand in the shape of a gun, placed it in his mouth, and pretended to pull the trigger. He then reportedly slapped a nearby female passenger and attempted to strike a member of the cabin crew.

Flight LH431’s crew quickly restrained the assailant, and the pilots diverted the aircraft to Boston Logan International Airport, where FBI agents and Massachusetts State Police boarded the plane and took Usiripalli into custody without further incident. The remainder of the flight continued to Frankfurt, Germany, after refuelling and clearance from authorities.

Investigators say Usiripalli was previously in the United States on a student visa and had most recently been enrolled in a master’s programme in biblical studies, but currently does not have lawful immigration status.

If convicted, Usiripalli faces up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Allegra Flamm of the Major Crimes Unit.

In a statement, Lufthansa said the “safety of passengers and crew remained the top priority” and commended its flight attendants for their swift and professional actions in handling the incident.