A shocking incident aboard a Lufthansa flight from Chicago to Frankfurt has led to serious federal charges against 28-year-old Indian national Praneeth Kumar Usiripalli. According to court documents, Usiripalli allegedly assaulted two 17-year-old male passengers with a metal fork during the flight, stabbing one in the shoulder and the other in the back of the head. The violent episode caused a midair emergency, forcing the aircraft to divert to Boston Logan International Airport, where authorities arrested Usiripalli immediately upon landing.
Usiripalli is charged in U.S. District Court with one count 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. This is a serious federal offense that applies to crimes committed aboard aircraft within U.S. jurisdiction, whether domestic or international. If convicted, Usiripalli faces up to 10 years in federal prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. These penalties reflect the federal government’s strict stance on protecting passengers and ensuring safety aboard commercial flights.
Being charged with an in-flight assault carries grave legal and immigration consequences. In addition to possible imprisonment, non-citizens like Usiripalli may face deportation and permanent inadmissibility to the United States following a conviction. Because the case involves violence, a dangerous weapon, and international travel, it will be prosecuted under heightened federal scrutiny. The involvement of multiple agencies—including the FBI, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement—underscores the severity of the case.
Anyone accused of assault while traveling on an aircraft should seek immediate representation from a qualified federal criminal defense attorney. Such cases require navigating complex jurisdictional issues, federal statutes, and potential immigration implications. A strong defense strategy may involve examining mental health factors, intent, or possible self-defense claims. Given the serious nature of these allegations, understanding one’s legal rights and building an effective defense early in the process is essential.
