Dalton Eatherly, the 28-year-old livestreamer known online as “Chud the Builder,” is facing felony charges including attempted murder after a shooting outside the Montgomery County Courthouse in Clarksville, Tennessee, on May 13, 2026.
Around 1:15–1:20 p.m., Eatherly became involved in a physical altercation with another man in Millennium Plaza, just outside the courthouse. The confrontation quickly escalated into gunfire. Authorities say Eatherly opened fire, striking the other man (reported in some accounts as a 31-year-old man) in the shoulder and stomach. Eatherly also sustained a graze wound to his own arm, which officials believe was self-inflicted.
Both men were hospitalized and listed in stable condition Wednesday evening. The victim was airlifted to a Nashville hospital for further treatment. Eatherly was taken into custody at the scene and remains held without bond in Montgomery County Jail.
District Attorney General Robert J. Nash stated that Eatherly was the one who fired the shots. However, audio from Eatherly’s livestream reportedly captures him claiming the shooting was in self-defense after the other man attacked him first.
He has been charged with:
- Criminal attempted murder
- Employing a firearm during a dangerous felony
- Aggravated assault
- Reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon
Background on the Streamer Eatherly has gained notoriety for “rage-bait” IRL (in real life) livestreams in which he confronts strangers in public—often using racial slurs, particularly toward Black people—and films their reactions for online audiences. His content has drawn widespread criticism and comparisons to other controversial nuisance streamers.
Just four days before the shooting, on May 9, 2026, Eatherly was arrested in Nashville after causing a disturbance at Bob’s Steak & Chop House. While livestreaming inside the restaurant, he allegedly refused to stop filming, made disruptive and racially charged comments, and walked out without paying a roughly $370–400 bill. That incident led to charges of theft of services, disorderly conduct, and resisting arrest. He was released on $5,000 bond prior to the courthouse shooting.
The case remains under investigation. Eatherly is scheduled for arraignment in the coming days. Authorities have not released full video evidence yet, though witness statements and livestream audio are expected to play a central role.
Sources
- 6ABC Philadelphia: Streamer known as ‘Chud the Builder’ involved in shooting outside Tennessee courthouse
- Clarksville Now: UPDATE — Man who instigated racist disputes charged with attempted murder
- CNN: Livestreamer known for posting racist content faces charges after Tennessee shooting
- The Washington Post: Man known for racially derogatory livestreams charged with attempted murder
- FOX17 Nashville / WZTV: ‘Chud the Builder’ detained after Clarksville courthouse shooting
- ABC News: Streamer known as ‘Chud the Builder’ involved in shooting outside courthouse
This story is developing. Check local Tennessee outlets or official Montgomery County statements for the latest updates.
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