Dalton Eatherly, a 28-year-old Tennessee man known on social media as 'Chud the Builder', has been charged with attempted murder following a shooting near the Montgomery County Courthouse in Clarksville on Wednesday, May 13, 2026. Eatherly, who gained notoriety for livestreaming himself using racial slurs to provoke Black individuals, was one of two people injured in the incident.
The shooting occurred at approximately 1:15 p.m. after witnesses reported that Eatherly became involved in a confrontation with another man, who then punched him. Three to four shots were fired, according to reports from ClarksvilleNow.com. Eatherly was taken to Vanderbilt Clarksville Hospital for treatment, while the other victim was airlifted to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, where he was listed in stable condition.
District Attorney General Robert Nash stated that Eatherly was the individual who opened fire and appeared to have shot himself in the arm. Both men were taken into custody. Montgomery County Sheriff John Fuson praised the quick response of courthouse deputies, noting that their actions likely prevented the situation from escalating further. 'Their dedication to keeping the courthouse safe was clearly demonstrated,' Fuson said.
Charges Filed
The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office confirmed that Eatherly faces multiple charges, including attempted murder, employing a firearm during a dangerous felony, aggravated assault, and reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon. Fuson condemned the violence, stating, 'This kind of violence won't be tolerated, and our office will work to make sure those responsible are held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.'
In response to the incident, local authorities closed three county government buildings in the area on Thursday as the investigation continues.
Online Fundraising Campaign
Following the charges, donations began flowing into an online fundraising campaign that Eatherly launched last year. The campaign has nearly reached its $100,000 goal. In his appeal, Eatherly claimed he was fired from his contracting job after Black Lives Matter activists targeted him over words he shared online. He stated that the funds would be used to cover basic living expenses for his family, explore legal options to fight slander and threats, and find new ways to create a sustainable income.
History with Law Enforcement
Eatherly has a documented history of encounters with law enforcement. On May 9, he was arrested after an incident at a Nashville restaurant, where he was told not to film inside and not to be disruptive. According to Fox affiliate WZTV, Eatherly caused a disturbance by yelling, screaming, and making racial comments while dining at Bob's Steak & Chop House. Police reported that he refused to pay for a $371.55 meal, which included two full entrees, drinks, and appetizers, and was subsequently charged with theft of $1,000 or less and disorderly conduct.
Eatherly maintains a large following on social media platform X, where he regularly refers to Black people using derogatory terms. In a post on May 7, he wrote, 'I will defend my life with lethal force. Do not approach me with intent to threaten bodily harm.' In November 2025, a video circulated online in which Eatherly claimed to be a Clarksville police officer. The Clarksville Police Department responded on Facebook, stating that they were aware of the video and investigating, emphasizing that the individual was not affiliated with the department. Days later, he was arrested and charged with harassment.
