Summary (tl;dr)

Dalton Eatherly, known online as "Chud the Builder" for livestreaming racist provocations, has been charged with attempted murder following a shooting incident outside a courthouse in Clarksville, Tennessee, where both he and another individual were injured.

Essential Background

Dalton Eatherly has gained notoriety under the moniker "Chud the Builder" by livestreaming himself making racially derogatory statements to Black individuals in public settings, often attempting to provoke confrontations. His history includes previous arrests, such as one in November 2025 for harassment and another in May 2026 for disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, and theft at a Nashville steakhouse after refusing to pay his bill and making racial statements. Eatherly's actions and aggressive online persona had led to local recognition and concern in the Clarksville area.

The Full Story

On Wednesday, May 13, 2026, Dalton Eatherly was involved in a shooting incident outside the Montgomery County Courthouse in Clarksville, Tennessee. Authorities stated that Eatherly and an unidentified man were engaged in a confrontation that resulted in gunfire. Eatherly himself claimed in a video posted online that he shot a man in self-defense after being assaulted, and he also sustained a wound. Both individuals involved were transported to hospitals for treatment and are in stable condition. Following the incident, Eatherly, 28, was arrested and charged with attempted murder, employing a firearm during a dangerous felony, aggravated assault, and reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon. He is currently being held at the Montgomery County jail awaiting a bond hearing. Eatherly had been scheduled to appear in court on the same day for a civil case regarding a debt.

Why It Matters

This incident marks a significant escalation of Eatherly's behavior from online provocation to real-world violence, leading to serious criminal charges. The event has drawn attention to the potential dangers of livestreamed antagonistic content and the consequences when such provocations result in physical harm. The legal proceedings will determine accountability for the shooting and could set a precedent for individuals who use social media to incite conflict. The community's ongoing concerns about Eatherly's racially charged actions and their impact have been amplified by this violent event.

Geographic Location

• Montgomery County Courthouse, Clarksville, Montgomery County, Tennessee, United States (shooting incident)
• Vanderbilt Clarksville Hospital, Clarksville, Montgomery County, Tennessee, United States (Eatherly received treatment)
• Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee, United States (other injured man received treatment)
• Montgomery County Jail, Clarksville, Montgomery County, Tennessee, United States (Eatherly's detention)