A controversial figure in the realm of online content creation, Dalton Eatherly, known by the moniker “Chud the Builder,” has recently been arrested and charged with attempted murder in connection with a shooting that took place at a courthouse in Clarksville, Tennessee. This incident marks a significant turn in Eatherly’s troubling public persona, which has primarily revolved around his livestreamed confrontations that often contain racist undertones.
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On 13 May, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office apprehended the 28-year-old Eatherly at the Montgomery County Courthouse. Alongside the charge of attempted murder, he faces multiple additional charges, including using a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony, aggravated assault, and reckless engagement with a deadly weapon. Following his arrest, Eatherly was taken to the Montgomery County Jail, where he remains in custody awaiting his arraignment.
According to police, the shooting incident unfolded around 1:20 pm, prompting deputies to respond to reports of gunfire. Upon their arrival, they discovered two adult males engaged in a physical altercation that escalated to gunfire. Both men were wounded and subsequently transported to separate medical facilities, where they were reported to be in stable condition.
In the days following the incident, District Attorney General Robert Nash indicated that his office was currently reviewing the facts gathered by law enforcement to determine the appropriate formal charges against Eatherly. The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office has not provided further commentary on the matter to media outlets, including requests from various news organisations.
Notably, Eatherly has a history of making headlines through his provocative livestreams, which often involve confrontations with pedestrians, particularly Black individuals. According to reports, shortly after the shooting, Eatherly livestreamed himself speaking to first responders, claiming he shot in self-defence during the confrontation. He recounted that he had been approached by a man who initially laughed at him and then warned him to walk away. The situation escalated further when the individual allegedly expressed that he had PTSD and threatened Eatherly verbally before hitting him.
The livestream and Eatherly’s history of derogatory remarks towards Black individuals have attracted widespread criticism, which raises questions about racial tensions and the impact of social media on real-life conflicts. Although the identities of the other individuals involved in the incident have not been publicly released, Eatherly’s previous content has drawn condemnation for its use of racist language and rhetoric.
It remains uncertain whether Eatherly has secured legal representation for the current charges he faces. Jacob Fendley, who has previously defended him in legal matters, has chosen not to comment on the case, leaving ambiguity around Eatherly’s next steps in this legal ordeal.
Earlier in the same week as the courthouse shooting, Eatherly was also making headlines for being arrested on different charges. He faced accusations of theft of services, disorderly conduct, and resisting arrest after allegedly failing to pay a nearly £400 bill at a Nashville steakhouse. He was subsequently released on a bond of £5,000 and is expected to appear in court on 17 July.
This latest incident adds to the already tumultuous narrative surrounding Eatherly, highlighting a concerning convergence of his online persona with real-world consequences. The multifaceted nature of his controversies not only sheds light on the potential dangers of provocative online behaviour but also reflects broader societal issues related to racism, violence, and the repercussions of social media.
As authorities continue to investigate the shooting and review all evidence gathered, the focus will likely turn toward the implications of Eatherly’s actions—both online and offline. As with many incidents that blur the line between digital content and real-life altercations, the case raises pertinent questions about accountability and the power of media in shaping public discourse.