CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Dalton Eatherly, also known as 'Chud the Builder', was arrested outside a Tennessee courthouse on Wednesday and charged with attempted murder after being involved in a shooting. Eatherly, who is 28 years old, has gained notoriety for livestreaming confrontational interactions, where he often uses racially derogatory language against Black individuals.
During a confrontation outside the courthouse, gunfire erupted, resulting in Eatherly shooting another man before questioning whether he may have shot himself. Both individuals were taken to hospitals; while stabilized, their conditions were not immediately disclosed.
The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office confirmed Eatherly's charges also include employing a firearm during a dangerous felony, aggravated assault, and reckless endangerment. He remains in custody pending an arraignment.
A witness described Eatherly as well-known in the Clarksville area for provoking confrontations to elicit reactions and to stream them online. Eatherly had a scheduled court appearance on a separate civil matter regarding an unpaid debt on the morning of the shooting but it remains unclear if he attended.
Local residents expressed concern over Eatherly's behavior, noting that his provocative actions are harmful rather than a form of free speech, suggesting that he is engaging in hate speech.
The ongoing legal incidents surrounding Eatherly reflect a troubling pattern of behavior, including previous arrests related to disorderly conduct and theft of services at local establishments. The Clarksville community is grappling with the ramifications of his actions and the values being reflected in similar online conduct.
