Daijiworld Media Network - New York
New York, Oct 29: An Indian student, identified as Praneeth Kumar Usiripalli (28), has been arrested in the United States after allegedly attacking fellow passengers aboard a Chicago-to-Frankfurt flight, prompting an emergency diversion to Boston, federal prosecutors said on Monday.
According to Leah Foley, a federal prosecutor in Boston, Usiripalli—who had reportedly lost his U.S. visa status—was charged with assaulting passengers and crew members during the international flight.
The violent episode unfolded shortly after meal service, when Usiripalli allegedly stabbed a 17-year-old boy in the shoulder and another 17-year-old in the back of the head using a metal fork. He also slapped a woman passenger and attempted to strike a flight crew member, prosecutors said.
As the situation escalated, flight attendants and passengers restrained the accused. During the struggle, Usiripalli allegedly made a disturbing gesture, forming his fingers into a gun shape, placing them in his mouth, and pretending to pull the trigger, the prosecutor’s office stated.
The aircraft was diverted to Boston Logan International Airport, where Usiripalli was taken into custody upon landing. Authorities have not yet determined a clear motive for the outburst.
Prosecutors said that Usiripalli had entered the U.S. on a student visa, which had since expired, leaving him without lawful immigration status. He was reportedly enrolled in a master’s program in biblical studies. While officials did not confirm the institution’s name, a LinkedIn profile matching his details lists him as a student at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago.
The institute, known for its evangelical Christian education, describes its mission as preparing individuals “to be biblically grounded, practically trained, and engaged in gospel-centered living.”
If convicted of assault on an aircraft with a dangerous weapon with intent to cause bodily harm, Usiripalli faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000, according to federal prosecutors.
The case continues to be investigated by the FBI and aviation security authorities, who are reviewing witness statements and in-flight security footage to determine the full sequence of events.