A controversial livestreamer known online as “Chud the Builder” is in custody after a confrontation outside a Tennessee courthouse ended in gunfire, leaving two men hospitalized, according to authorities.
The incident occurred Wednesday outside the Montgomery County Courthouse in Clarksville, Tennessee, involving Dalton Eatherly and another unidentified man. Officials confirmed both men suffered gunshot wounds and were transported to nearby hospitals, where they remain in stable condition.
Authorities are still investigating what led to the shooting and have not yet announced formal charges. Prosecutors confirmed that Eatherly is considered a suspect in the case.
The incident has renewed attention on Eatherly’s controversial online behavior, including videos featuring racial slurs, confrontational livestreams, and previous arrests tied to disruptive conduct.
Overview of the Tennessee Courthouse Shooting
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Suspect | Dalton Eatherly |
| Online Name | Chud the Builder |
| Incident Location | Montgomery County Courthouse |
| City | Clarksville, Tennessee |
| Number of People Shot | Two |
| Current Condition | Stable |
| Investigation Status | Ongoing |
| Authorities Involved | Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office |
What Happened Outside the Courthouse?
Officials say the shooting happened Wednesday afternoon outside the Montgomery County Courthouse in Clarksville.
Authorities have not publicly explained exactly how the confrontation escalated or who fired the shots. The Tennessee District Attorney General’s Office confirmed only that the case remains under investigation.
After the incident, Eatherly livestreamed himself speaking with emergency responders and claimed he acted in self-defense.
According to the livestream, Eatherly said he walked past a group of people who were allegedly “laughing” and “pointing” at him. He claimed that after approaching the group, one man warned him to walk away before allegedly assaulting him.
Eatherly stated in the video:
“I had to defend myself by shooting him.”
He also alleged that the unidentified man became angry after hearing racially offensive comments. Eatherly has previously posted videos online in which he used racist slurs and derogatory language toward Black people.
Authorities have not verified Eatherly’s version of events.
Who Is Dalton Eatherly?
Dalton Eatherly gained attention online through livestreams and social media videos often centered around confrontational public interactions and inflammatory racial commentary.
He has developed a controversial reputation for using racial slurs, provoking confrontations in public spaces, and posting videos that many critics describe as racist and abusive.
Several clips posted online show Eatherly making offensive remarks toward Black individuals. In one widely circulated video, he appeared to spray a chemical substance at a Black man while repeatedly shouting racial slurs after an altercation involving a hat being knocked off his head.
His online conduct has sparked backlash across social media and even criticism from some far-right figures.
Recent Nashville Arrest Before Shooting
Just days before the courthouse shooting, Eatherly was arrested in Nashville following another public disturbance.
According to court documents, the incident began after restaurant staff asked him to stop livestreaming and behaving disruptively inside the establishment.
Prosecutors described Eatherly in legal filings as a livestreamer known for posting “racially charged content” online.
The affidavit stated that Eatherly became loud and disruptive after being asked to stop filming. Witnesses accused him of yelling racial remarks and creating a disturbance inside the restaurant.
Authorities alleged Eatherly then refused to pay a restaurant bill totaling more than $370 after being asked to leave.
Police later located him walking nearby and arrested him on charges including:
- Theft of services
- Disorderly conduct
- Resisting arrest
According to investigators, Eatherly initially resisted officers attempting to handcuff him but was eventually arrested without additional violence.
He was later released on a $5,000 bond.
Pattern of Controversial Online Behavior
Eatherly’s online history includes multiple incidents involving inflammatory rhetoric and confrontational interactions with strangers in public.
Critics say his content appears designed to provoke reactions and generate viral attention through offensive behavior.
Civil rights advocates and online commentators have condemned the repeated use of racial slurs and public harassment seen in his videos.
The latest shooting incident has intensified scrutiny over how social media platforms handle creators who repeatedly post hateful or provocative content.
Reaction From Public Figures
Interestingly, even some controversial right-wing personalities have criticized Eatherly’s behavior.
Nick Fuentes, who is widely known for white nationalist views and Holocaust denial, publicly distanced himself from Eatherly’s tactics during a recent podcast discussion.
Fuentes said:
“I don’t like that approach of antagonizing people in public … I think it’s wrong, it’s unethical.”
The criticism highlights growing concerns about the increasing popularity of online personalities who use confrontation, racial provocation, and shock tactics to gain attention and engagement.
Investigation Remains Ongoing
Authorities have not yet announced whether Eatherly or the second individual involved in the confrontation will face criminal charges related to the shooting.
Investigators are expected to review:
- Surveillance footage
- Livestream recordings
- Witness statements
- Ballistics evidence
The Tennessee District Attorney General’s Office said additional information will likely be released as the investigation continues.
At this stage, officials have not determined whether the shooting qualifies as self-defense or criminal assault.
Debate Over Livestream Culture and Public Safety
The incident has once again raised broader concerns about livestream culture, online extremism, and the real-world consequences of provocative internet behavior.
In recent years, some content creators have built large audiences through confrontational livestreams filmed in public spaces. Critics argue that such behavior can escalate tensions, encourage harassment, and create dangerous situations.
Law enforcement agencies across the country have increasingly dealt with incidents where online disputes or staged confrontations spill into violence offline.
Experts also warn that algorithms rewarding outrage and controversy can incentivize increasingly risky conduct among online personalities seeking attention and monetization.
