Livestreamer known for racist content faces attempted murder charge with bond set at $1.25 million after courthouse shooting
Chud the Builder, Racist Livestreamer, Charged with Attempted Murder
Livestreamer known for racist content faces – A man infamous for disseminating racially charged material online now faces attempted murder charges, following a deadly shooting at a Tennessee courthouse. Dalton Eatherly, who streams under the handle “Chud the Builder,” appeared in court on May 15, 2026, after being apprehended for the incident that occurred earlier that week. The arrest came after a heated confrontation with Joshua Fox, a local man, outside the Montgomery County Courthouse in Clarksville. Surveillance footage captured the moment when Eatherly fired a gun, striking Fox multiple times and leaving bystanders at risk of injury.
Attempted Murder Charge and Bond Set
During his arraignment, General Session Court Judge Reid Poland III set Eatherly’s bond at $1.25 million, citing the potential danger posed by the large crowd present at the time of the shooting. The charges against him include attempted criminal homicide, aggravated assault, and reckless endangerment involving a deadly weapon. The sheriff’s office emphasized that the use of a firearm during a dangerous felony heightened the severity of the case, underscoring the gravity of the accusations.
Eatherly, dressed in a jail-issued jumpsuit, displayed visible distress upon hearing the bond decision. The judge noted that attempted murder in Tennessee could lead to a sentence of 15 to 60 years in state prison, highlighting the seriousness of the offense. While the specific circumstances of the shooting remain under investigation, the incident marks a significant turning point in Eatherly’s legal and public life.
Racist Content and Online Behavior
Before the courthouse incident, Eatherly had established a reputation on social media for his racially charged content. His videos often included derogatory remarks targeting Black individuals, such as labeling them as “chimps” or making inflammatory statements that sparked controversy. This pattern of speech has been documented in several posts, reflecting a consistent approach to provoking or insulting minority communities. The arrest warrant referenced his history of using racial slurs, even in instances where he allegedly threatened a Black person.
While the shooting is a critical event, it aligns with Eatherly’s broader conduct online. Prosecutors have previously highlighted his tendency to interrupt conversations and make hostile comments, creating a climate of tension. The recent incident, however, escalated his behavior into a real-world confrontation, where his rhetoric manifested in physical violence. This shift has drawn attention to the connection between his social media presence and his actions in public spaces.
Earlier Legal Issues and Context
Eatherly’s legal troubles extend beyond the current case. Earlier in May, he was removed from a Nashville restaurant for disrupting the environment with his livestream. Staff had asked him to stop filming or speaking loudly, but he continued, even after being instructed to leave. The affidavit from that incident described him as a “disruptive and aggressive” content creator who persistently used racial language, despite being told to cease.
Following the restaurant confrontation, Eatherly was released on a $5,000 bond. He was represented by attorney Jake Fendley, who has handled similar cases. This background suggests a pattern of behavior, with Eatherly’s actions on social media and in public spaces showing a recurring disregard for others’ comfort. The recent courthouse shooting has amplified concerns about his influence and potential for escalation.
Post-Shooting Livestream and Statements
After the shooting, Eatherly livestreamed his interaction with first responders, offering his perspective on the event. In the video, he described the incident as a defensive move, claiming he had been targeted by a group of people who were “laughing” and “pointing at me.” He also alleged that one individual in the group told him to walk away before confronting him with the statement, “I have PTSD.” These claims have sparked debate about the motive behind the attack.
“I was just trying to defend myself,” Eatherly said in the livestream, as he explained the sequence of events. His account has been contrasted with witness testimonies and surveillance evidence, which paint a more confrontational picture. The case now hinges on whether his actions were an act of self-defense or a premeditated attack, with the courtroom becoming a focal point for discussions on racism and online influence.
