In a startling incident aboard a Lufthansa flight from Chicago to Germany, a man has been charged with the alleged assault of two teenage passengers, the Department of Justice has reported. This unsettling event unfolded on Saturday, significantly disrupting what should have been a routine long-haul journey.

The alleged attack reportedly took place following the in-flight meal service. According to the DOJ, it began when a 17-year-old boy, who was resting in a middle seat, awoke to find 28-year-old Praneeth Kumar Usiripalli, an Indian national, ominously looming over him.

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Usiripalli is accused of stabbing the teen in the shoulder with a metal fork, reportedly sparking panic among passengers. In the ensuing chaos, the accused didn’t stop, allegedly turning his attention to another 17-year-old seated in the center row, attacking him with a similar thrust to the back of his head.

As the situation escalated, flight crew members intervened in an effort to restrain Usiripalli. The DOJ noted that during the confrontation, he made a disturbing gesture by forming his fingers into the shape of a gun, placing it in his mouth, and mimicking pulling a trigger.

When crew members tried to subdue Usiripalli, the DOJ said he allegedly formed a gun with his fingers, put it in his mouth and pulled an imaginary trigger.

The suspect then allegedly turned toward a female passenger and slapped her with his hand. Usiripalli also allegedly attempted to slap a flight crew member.

The DOJ said the flight was diverted to Boston Logan International Airport, where officials took Usiripalli, who was previously admitted to the United States on a student visa, into custody. The DOJ said the suspect does not currently have lawful status in the U.S.

Usiripalli is charged 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, the DOJ said.

If convicted, Usiripalli faces up to 10 years in prison. He will appear in federal court in Boston at a later date.