A 28-year-old Tennessee man known for posting provocative and racially derogatory livestreams on social media has been arrested and charged with attempted murder following a shooting outside a courthouse in Clarksville, authorities said Wednesday.
The suspect, identified as Dalton Eatherly, was also charged with employing a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony, aggravated assault, and reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon, according to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office.
Shooting Occurs Outside Clarksville Courthouse
Officials said the shooting involved Eatherly and another unidentified man during a confrontation outside the courthouse. Both individuals were injured and taken to hospitals, where they were reported to be in stable condition.
District Attorney Robert J. Nash confirmed the arrest but did not disclose what led to the confrontation or why Eatherly was at the courthouse at the time of the incident.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene following the gunfire, with emergency responders transporting both men for medical treatment.
Online Persona and Prior Controversies
Eatherly, who has gained attention online under the name “Chud the Builder,” frequently livestreams interactions in public spaces in which he directs racially offensive language toward Black individuals.
His videos have shown him engaging strangers while recording confrontational encounters, often escalating verbal disputes in public settings. In some clips, he is seen making repeated racial slurs while being filmed by others in response.
Authorities and witnesses in Clarksville say he is known locally for provoking confrontations and filming the reactions for social media content.
Prior Legal Issues and Court Appearance Scheduled
Court records show Eatherly was scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday in connection with a separate civil case involving an alleged unpaid debt of approximately $3,300.
He also faces unrelated criminal charges in Davidson County after an incident at a Nashville steakhouse, where he was accused of refusing to pay a bill, causing a disturbance, and continuing to livestream inside the restaurant despite being asked to stop.
That case includes charges of theft of services, disorderly conduct, and resisting arrest.
Video Posted Online Shows Aftermath of Shooting
A video circulating online appears to show Eatherly speaking with emergency responders following the shooting. In the clip, he makes statements suggesting he acted in self-defense, though officials have not confirmed his account.
Authorities have not released details about what may have triggered the confrontation or whether any additional charges could be filed.
Investigation Ongoing
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office said both men involved in the incident were hospitalized and remain in stable condition. The investigation is ongoing, and officials have not yet released further information about the second individual involved.
Law enforcement officials say the case includes multiple layers of ongoing legal proceedings, with additional court appearances scheduled in the coming months.
