BOSTON, MA – A transatlantic flight from Chicago to Germany was unexpectedly diverted to Boston on Saturday night following a violent incident involving a passenger wielding a metal fork. The chaos unfolded two hours into the journey when 28-year-old Praneeth Kumar allegedly attacked two teenage passengers.
According to court documents, Kumar first targeted a 17-year-old who was asleep in the center row. The FBI reports that an agent intervened, and the teenager was stabbed between the neck and shoulder. Fortunately, the heavy sweatshirt the victim was wearing prevented any serious injury.
The suspect then reportedly turned his attention to another 17-year-old, stabbing him in the back of the head. This attack resulted in a wound that required medical attention from Boston EMTs upon landing.
Flight attendants managed to restrain Kumar, who allegedly made a gun gesture with his fingers and slapped a nearby woman. Witnesses reported hearing him mumble phrases including “Koran,” “Barack and Michelle Obama,” and “I am the reason for Covid.”
Authorities have identified Kumar as an Indian national in the U.S. on a student visa, though he currently lacks lawful status. He is scheduled to appear in federal court in Boston.
The motive behind the attack remains unclear. One of the teenagers mentioned having exchanged pleasantries with Kumar during boarding, but there was no other interaction prior to the assault.
The incident has raised questions about in-flight security and the mental state of the suspect. Investigators continue to piece together the events leading up to the attack as they prepare for the upcoming court proceedings.