A livestreamer known for posting racist content online faces attempted murder charges after a shooting outside a Tennessee courthouse. Dalton Eatherly, 28, and identified as “Chud the Builder” on social media, appeared in court Friday on multiple charges, including employing a firearm during a dangerous felony and reckless endangerment. The incident occurred Wednesday afternoon outside the Montgomery County Courthouse in Clarksville, where Eatherly and Joshua Fox, a man described by a witness as Black, engaged in a physical altercation.
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According to an arrest warrant, Eatherly turned toward Fox in a “bladed stance” and reached for a firearm in his jacket pocket. A struggle ensued, and Eatherly fired his weapon, striking Fox multiple times. Surveillance footage showed a ricocheting projectile hitting nearby walls, though CNN has not viewed the video. Fox was flown to Vanderbilt University Medical Center for emergency surgery, while Eatherly also sustained injuries and was hospitalized.
General Session Court Judge Reid Poland III set a $1.25 million bond during the arraignment, citing the number of people present in the courthouse courtyard and the severity of the charges. Attempted criminal homicide in Tennessee carries a potential sentence of 15 to 60 years in a state penitentiary. Eatherly, wearing a jail jumpsuit, appeared visibly affected when the bond amount was announced, closing his eyes for a prolonged period.
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Eatherly’s social media history reveals a pattern of using racial slurs, including referring to Black people as “chimps.” After the shooting, he livestreamed an encounter with first responders, claiming he was attacked by a man who allegedly told him, “You start saying all that chimp out s**t to me and ‘Imma hit you.’” Eatherly said he defended himself by shooting the man, though officials did not confirm Fox’s identity beyond the witness’s description.
A preliminary hearing for Eatherly is scheduled for May 26. Attorney Jake Fendley, appointed after the Public Defender’s office withdrew from the case, stated in a statement that he represents clients regardless of their actions. Fendley noted his office has received hate mail since taking the case, adding, “Racism is a terrible thing and it’s a flawed method of thinking.”
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Eatherly’s history of controversy includes a prior arrest in Nashville. He was kicked out of a restaurant for livestreaming and making racial statements before refusing to pay a $371.55 bill, claiming, “I’m not paying if you are kicking me out.” He was later released on a $5,000 bond. Court records also show a civil case involving a $3,300 debt to Midland Credit Management Inc., though it’s unclear if Eatherly attended the hearing scheduled at the same courthouse where the shooting occurred.