Livestreamer Known for Racist Content Faces Attempted Murder Charge After Shooting Outside Tennessee Courthouse
Livestreamer known for posting racist content – On Wednesday, Dalton Eatherly, a content creator who goes by “Chud the Builder” online, was charged with attempted murder following a shooting incident that occurred outside a courthouse in Clarksville, Tennessee. The incident unfolded during a heated exchange between Eatherly and an unidentified individual, according to officials from the Tennessee District Attorney General’s Office. Both parties were struck by gunfire and transported to nearby medical facilities, where they were reported to be in stable condition by early Wednesday evening. The exact sequence of events leading to the confrontation remains under investigation.
Details of the Shooting Incident
The altercation reportedly took place near the Montgomery County Courthouse, where Eatherly was seen engaging in a verbal dispute with another man. Witnesses described the scene as tense, with Eatherly claiming he was defending himself when he fired his weapon. “I had to defend myself by shooting him,” he stated in a video shared with the public after the incident, offering a firsthand account of the confrontation. The video shows Eatherly walking past the unidentified individual, who was reportedly laughing and gesturing toward him. As the exchange escalated, the man allegedly told Eatherly to walk away before approaching him and asserting, “I have PTSD.”
“He said, ‘You start saying all that chimp out s**t to me and ‘imma hit you,’ and he hit me, he started whaling on me,” Eatherly explained in the footage.
Following the shooting, Eatherly was taken into custody by law enforcement officers. He was initially detained after being found walking on a street shortly after the incident. When officers attempted to place him in handcuffs, he pulled his arm away, according to the affidavit provided by authorities. The arrest proceeded without further complications, and Eatherly was later processed into the Montgomery County jail. His arraignment is scheduled for a future date, with the sheriff’s office noting he will remain in custody until then.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Authorities have charged Eatherly with multiple offenses, including attempted murder, employing a firearm during a dangerous felony, aggravated assault, and reckless endangerment involving a deadly weapon. These charges underscore the severity of the incident and the potential legal consequences he may face. The sheriff’s office emphasized that the case highlights the broader issue of public violence and the need for accountability.
“This kind of violence won’t be tolerated, and our office will work to make sure those responsible are held accountable to the fullest extent of the law,” said Montgomery County Sheriff John Fuson in a statement.
Eatherly’s presence on social media platforms has drawn attention for his use of racial slurs in various videos. His content often includes derogatory remarks targeting Black individuals, with one notable example involving a video in which he sprayed a chemical agent at a Black man after the man knocked his hat off. The clip, uploaded to X last week, has since been shared widely, sparking discussions about his public behavior and its impact on the community.
Past Behavior and Legal History
Earlier this week, Eatherly faced additional scrutiny after being removed from a restaurant in Nashville. According to an affidavit, he was cited for theft of services, disorderly conduct, and resisting arrest. The incident began when restaurant staff requested that he stop livestreaming and avoid disruptive behavior. Despite their warnings, Eatherly continued filming, leading to a confrontation. Prosecutors described his actions as “provocative” and noted his history of using racial language in social media content.
“He became disruptive and started making racial statements, yelling, screaming, and causing a scene,” the affidavit stated. “Eatherly then allegedly claimed, ‘I’m not paying if you are kicking me out,’ and refused to settle his $371.55 meal bill.”
The recent events are part of a pattern of behavior that has been criticized by both supporters and detractors. While some right-wing figures have defended his actions, others have pointed out his tendency to provoke racial tensions. For instance, Nick Fuentes, a prominent White nationalist and Holocaust denier, expressed disapproval of Eatherly’s approach on his podcast. “That approach of antagonizing people in public is wrong, it’s unethical,” Fuentes said when asked about the incident.
Government Response and Broader Context
The U.S. government has shown a clear stance against racial discrimination and extremist behavior, with officials highlighting Eatherly’s actions as a reflection of broader societal issues. This case has reignited conversations about the role of online content creators in fostering racial hostility and the consequences of their actions in real-world scenarios. Eatherly’s videos, which often use racial slurs, have been cited as examples of how such rhetoric can escalate into violence.
“It’s unfortunate that incidents like this are happening in our community,” Sheriff Fuson remarked, reinforcing the need for stricter measures against individuals who promote divisive ideologies.
As the legal process moves forward, authorities are also examining Eatherly’s past conduct to build a case against him. His history of using force against Black individuals, including the incident with the chemical agent, adds to the scrutiny. While the official narrative focuses on the immediate circumstances of the shooting, the underlying tensions between Eatherly and those he has targeted in his content suggest a longer-standing conflict. Investigators are working to determine whether the confrontation was a spontaneous act or part of a deliberate plan.
Further details about the shooting and Eatherly’s legal situation are still emerging. CNN is currently assessing whether he has legal representation to assist with his defense. The case also highlights the growing role of livestreaming in shaping public perception of individuals, as Eatherly’s real-time accounts provide a window into his interactions. As more information comes to light, the community and legal system will be watching closely to see how his actions are interpreted and addressed.
Updates and Contributions
This story has been updated with additional information from recent investigations and statements. The report draws on contributions from CNN’s Ryan Young, Caroll Alvarado, Kelly McCleary, and Nina Giraldo, who have provided insights into the unfolding situation. As the case progresses, it is expected to serve as a case study in the intersection of online activism, racial rhetoric, and real-world consequences.
