Livestreamer known for racist content faces attempted murder charge, bond set at $1.25 million
Livestreamer known for racist content faces – Fri, May 15, 2026 – A social media content creator, recognized for his racially charged videos, appeared in court this morning on multiple charges, including attempted murder, following a shooting incident at a Tennessee courthouse. Dalton Eatherly, who uses the online moniker “Chud the Builder,” was taken into custody after a heated exchange with a second individual turned violent outside the Montgomery County Courthouse in Clarksville. According to the District Attorney General, Robert J. Nash, of the 19th Judicial District, the altercation led to gunfire that injured the other man.
Shooting Incident and Charges
The event occurred on Wednesday at approximately 1:20 p.m. local time, as reported by the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office. Eatherly, 28, is now charged with attempted criminal homicide, employing a firearm during a dangerous felony, aggravated assault, and reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon. The bond was established at $1.25 million by General Session Court Judge Reid Poland III, who cited the number of people present in the courthouse courtyard and the severity of the charges as reasons for the high bail.
“Based upon the fact of how many people were in the courtyard over here at the courthouse and the seriousness of all these felonies,” Judge Poland stated during the hearing.
During the proceedings, Eatherly was observed wearing a marked Montgomery County Jail jumpsuit and briefly closed his eyes as the judge announced the bond amount. The potential sentence for attempted murder in Tennessee state prison ranges from 15 to 60 years, the judge added, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
Previous Social Media History
Court records and public statements reveal that Eatherly has a documented pattern of posting videos featuring racial slurs directed at Black individuals and other minorities. His content frequently portrays Black people as chimps, a recurring theme that has drawn criticism from advocates and legal experts. The sheriff’s office noted that this history of prejudice contributed to the escalation of the recent confrontation.
In a video uploaded to social media shortly after the shooting, Eatherly recounted the incident, describing the group of individuals in the courtyard as “laughing” and “pointing at me.” He claimed that one unidentified man in the crowd told him to walk away, prompting the other man to confront him with the statement, “I have PTSD.” According to Eatherly, this led to a physical struggle where he fired his weapon to defend himself.
“You start saying all that chimp out s**t to me and ‘imma hit you,’ and he hit me, he started whaling on me, even after I had to defend myself by shooting him,” Eatherly said in the video.
Footage from the scene, as detailed in the arrest warrant, shows a projectile ricocheting off nearby walls. While CNN has been unable to access the surveillance footage, it is believed to capture the chaotic sequence of events that unfolded during the confrontation. Both Eatherly and the other man sustained gunshot wounds, with Fox being transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center for emergency treatment.
Context from Earlier Incidents
Eatherly’s history of misconduct extends beyond the recent shooting. Court documents from a prior incident on Saturday highlight a separate arrest in Nashville, where he was charged with theft of services, disorderly conduct, and resisting arrest. The affidavit filed in that case describes Eatherly as a livestreamer who regularly produces racially charged content, including videos of him verbally attacking Black individuals.
According to the affidavit, Eatherly was asked by restaurant staff to cease live streaming and avoid causing disruption. Despite this request, he continued broadcasting, making explicit racial remarks while yelling and screaming. The incident culminated in him refusing to pay for his meal, which totaled $371.55, after stating, “I’m not paying if you are kicking me out.” He was arrested hours later, initially pulling his arm away when officers attempted to cuff him, but eventually being taken into custody without further conflict.
Impact of the Incident
The shooting outside the courthouse has sparked renewed scrutiny of Eatherly’s online activities and their real-world consequences. While the exact circumstances of the argument remain under investigation, the sheriff’s office has confirmed that both individuals involved were injured and hospitalized. Fox, who was initially detained alongside Eatherly, was later released to medical staff for treatment. A witness who observed Fox being loaded into an ambulance described him as Black, though officials have not yet provided a formal description of his appearance.
The presence of bystanders during the shooting adds complexity to the case. Surveillance footage, which has not yet been publicly viewed by CNN, reportedly shows a ricocheting bullet striking nearby walls, suggesting the potential for further casualties. This incident underscores the escalating risks associated with Eatherly’s confrontational behavior, both online and in person.
Legal Proceedings and Representation
A preliminary hearing for Eatherly is scheduled for May 26, with Attorney Jake Fendley appointed to represent him. Court records indicate that Fendley has previously handled Eatherly’s cases, providing continuity in legal strategy. The hearing will likely focus on the details of the shooting, the intent behind Eatherly’s actions, and the role of his social media content in the altercation.
The charges against Eatherly reflect a combination of violent conduct and the use of a firearm during a critical moment. The sheriff’s office emphasized that the incident was not isolated, noting the pre-existing tensions between the two men. While Eatherly’s online persona is well-documented, the real-world consequences of his rhetoric have now reached a significant legal threshold.
Public Reaction and Ongoing Investigations
CNN has sought comments from Eatherly’s team and the involved parties to gain further insight into the incident. The public has responded with mixed reactions, with some criticizing Eatherly’s content as incendiary and others questioning the direct link between his online posts and the physical attack. The sheriff’s office continues to investigate the full sequence of events, including the identity of the bystanders and the precise moment the shooting occurred.
Eatherly’s case has also drawn attention to the broader issue of how online hate speech can influence real-world violence. His history of using racial slurs in videos, combined with the recent shooting, highlights the need for a thorough examination of the social and psychological factors at play. As the legal process moves forward, the focus will remain on determining Eatherly’s intent and whether his past behavior contributed to the incident.
With the bond set at $1.25 million and a preliminary hearing approaching, Eatherly’s future will depend on the evidence presented during the proceedings. The sheriff’s office has emphasized that the shooting was a direct result of the verbal exchange, which quickly turned physical. The case serves as a reminder of the consequences of racial bias when amplified by public platforms and real-world interactions.
