A controversial livestreamer known as “Chud the Builder” has been arrested and charged with attempted murder following a violent confrontation that erupted outside a Tennessee courthouse on Wednesday. Law enforcement officials state that a physical altercation between the suspect and another man escalated into gunfire, leaving both individuals wounded.
The suspect, identified as 28-year-old Dalton Eatherly, was detained by authorities after the incident occurred at the Montgomery County Court Complex in Clarksville, Tennessee. Eatherly, who has gained notoriety online for broadcasting racially derogatory content, is now facing a series of felony charges as investigators piece together the events leading up to the shooting.
According to statements from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and the District Attorney’s office, the incident took place around 1:20 p.m. Local time on May 13, 2026. The confrontation involved Eatherly and an unidentified male, resulting in an exchange of gunfire that prompted an immediate lockdown of the courthouse facilities.
The shooting has drawn significant attention due to Eatherly’s public persona. Known to his followers as “Chud the Builder,” the contractor frequently livestreamed himself engaging in provocative disputes and using racial slurs in public settings, often while displaying firearms. This history of volatility serves as a backdrop to the charges he now faces in a court of law.
Details of the Courthouse Confrontation
The events unfolded outside the Montgomery County Courthouse in Clarksville, a city located approximately 50 miles northwest of Nashville. Local authorities report that Eatherly and another man became embroiled in a physical fight that rapidly deteriorated. During the struggle, gunfire was exchanged, leaving both men injured.
District Attorney General Robert J. Nash of the 19th Judicial District confirmed that the confrontation escalated to the point of gunfire, necessitating a rapid response from law enforcement. Deputies from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and officers from the Clarksville Police Department arrived on the scene shortly after reports of shots fired were received.
Upon arrival, officers secured the perimeter and locked down the courthouse to ensure the safety of staff and visitors. The two men involved were detained and subsequently transported to separate medical facilities for treatment of their gunshot wounds. While the identities of the two men were initially not fully disclosed, law enforcement confirmed that Eatherly was the individual who opened fire during the encounter.
Medical Response and Casualty Status
The shooting resulted in two casualties, both of whom required emergency medical intervention. The unidentified male involved in the fight sustained a gunshot wound to the stomach. Due to the severity of the injury, he was transported via medical helicopter to the Vanderbilt University Medical Center. As of May 14, hospital officials reported that the victim remained in stable condition.
Dalton Eatherly also sustained injuries during the incident. Reports indicate that Eatherly suffered a gunshot wound to the arm, which appeared to be a self-inflicted injury occurring during the struggle. He was transported to the Vanderbilt of Clarksville Hospital for treatment.
Following his medical clearance and release from the hospital, Eatherly was immediately taken into custody and booked at the Montgomery County Jail. The swift action of the courthouse deputies was credited by local leadership as a key factor in preventing further casualties during the chaotic scene.
Criminal Charges and Legal Proceedings
Following an initial investigation, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office announced a comprehensive set of charges against Dalton Eatherly. The legal actions reflect the severity of the violence and the risk posed to the public in a high-traffic government area.
Eatherly has been officially charged with the following:
- Attempted Murder: The primary charge stemming from the shooting of the unidentified male.
- Employing a Firearm During a Dangerous Felony: A charge related to the use of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime.
- Aggravated Assault: Relating to the physical altercation and the resulting injuries.
- Reckless Endangerment with a Deadly Weapon: Addressing the danger posed to bystanders and courthouse staff during the gunfire.
Montgomery County Sheriff John Fuson emphasized the community’s stance on such violence in a public statement. “Thanks to the quick actions of our courthouse deputies, this situation was likely kept from becoming much worse,” Fuson stated, adding that “this kind of violence won’t be tolerated” within the community.
Eatherly is currently being held at the Montgomery County Jail. He is awaiting an official arraignment, at which time a judge will determine the conditions of his release or set a bond amount.
The Online Persona of ‘Chud the Builder’
The identity of the suspect as a known social media personality has added a layer of complexity to the public discourse surrounding the shooting. Operating under the moniker “Chud the Builder,” Dalton Eatherly built a following by posting videos that many describe as hateful and provocative.
His content typically featured him confronting strangers in public, frequently using racial slurs and derogatory language, particularly targeting Black individuals. These videos often showcased Eatherly flashing his firearm, creating an online brand centered on intimidation and racial tension. This pattern of behavior has led critics to view the courthouse shooting not as an isolated incident, but as the culmination of a documented history of aggression.
The intersection of “clout-chasing” culture and real-world violence is a growing concern for law enforcement and digital safety advocates. In this instance, the transition from online provocation to a physical shooting at a judicial center underscores the potential for digital volatility to manifest in dangerous physical confrontations.
Community Impact and Safety Measures
The shooting at the Montgomery County Courthouse has raised questions regarding security at local government facilities. While the lockdown was successful in containing the threat, the fact that a firearm was discharged in such close proximity to a court of law has prompted a review of safety protocols.
Residents of Clarksville and the surrounding Montgomery County area have expressed concern over the incident, particularly given the suspect’s history of targeting individuals based on race. Local officials have reiterated their commitment to maintaining the courthouse as a safe environment for all citizens, regardless of the volatility of the individuals entering the premises.
The incident also highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement when dealing with individuals who use social media to broadcast their affiliations or intentions. The public nature of Eatherly’s online presence provided investigators with significant context regarding his behavior and tendencies prior to the May 13 shooting.
For those seeking official updates on the case, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and the 19th Judicial District Attorney General’s office are the primary sources for verified legal filings and press releases. Public records regarding the arraignment and subsequent court dates will be made available through the Montgomery County court clerk.
The next confirmed checkpoint in this legal process is the arraignment of Dalton Eatherly, where his legal representation will enter a plea and the court will address the issue of bond. Further updates will be provided as official court documents are filed.
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