Livestreamer known for racist content faces attempted murder charge, bond set at $1.25 million
Livestreamer known for racist content faces attempted murder charge, bond set at $1.25 million
Livestreamer known for racist content faces – On Friday, a content creator infamous for disseminating racist material made an appearance in court, charged with attempted murder following a shooting incident outside a Tennessee courthouse. Dalton Eatherly, who operates under the online moniker “Chud the Builder,” was taken into custody after a heated exchange with an unidentified individual escalated into gunfire near the Montgomery County Courthouse in Clarksville. The Tennessee District Attorney General’s Office confirmed the incident occurred on Wednesday, marking a significant legal development for the 28-year-old. The case has drawn attention to Eatherly’s history of promoting racially charged content and his recent confrontational behavior.
The Shooting Incident at the Courthouse
According to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, the confrontation that led to the shooting began with an altercation between Eatherly and another man, whose identity has not been disclosed. The conflict, which unfolded in the courtyard of the courthouse, resulted in Eatherly being shot. The office reported both individuals were injured but stabilized after being transported to nearby hospitals. Despite initial detentions, the unidentified assailant was later released to medical care, while Eatherly remains in custody.
During the incident, Eatherly reportedly livestreamed his interaction with first responders. In the video, he described the situation, stating that a group of people had been “laughing” and “pointing at me” as he passed by. He claimed one man in the group told him to walk away, prompting the individual to approach him and declare, “I have PTSD.” Eatherly recounted that the man then began “saying all that chimp out s**t” to him, leading to a physical confrontation where he was forced to defend himself by firing a weapon.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
At his arraignment and bond hearing, General Session Court Judge Reid Poland III imposed a $1.25 million bond, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. The judge noted the presence of multiple individuals in the courthouse courtyard and the severity of the alleged offenses, which include attempted criminal homicide, employing a firearm during a dangerous felony, aggravated assault, and reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon. The bond amount reflects the seriousness of the charges, which could result in a prison sentence ranging from 15 to 60 years, as per Tennessee state law.
Eatherly, dressed in a marked Montgomery County Jail jumpsuit, appeared visibly composed during the proceedings. However, he was observed closing his eyes for a brief moment when the judge announced the bond. The court hearing also included the appointment of Attorney Jake Fendley to represent him in a preliminary hearing scheduled for May 26. Fendley, who has previously handled Eatherly’s legal matters, will be pivotal in navigating the case forward.
Social Media Track Record
Before the shooting, Eatherly had built a notable online presence through videos that often included racially offensive language. His content frequently depicted Black individuals using derogatory terms, such as referring to them as “chimps.” Court records highlight his pattern of posting videos where he used racial slurs against Black people and other minorities, including instances where he allegedly employed physical force against a Black individual. These videos have become a focal point for critics and supporters alike, illustrating his controversial public persona.
The incident on Wednesday was not the first time Eatherly had faced legal consequences for his actions. Earlier in the year, he was involved in a separate case where he was arrested after a dispute at a Nashville restaurant. According to an affidavit, Eatherly had been asked by staff to stop livestreaming and refrain from causing disturbances but continued to do so. His behavior included “yelling, screaming” and making racial statements, which led to his arrest for theft of services, disorderly conduct, and resisting law enforcement. He was initially taken into custody after refusing to pay for a $371.55 meal, claiming, “I’m not paying if you are kicking me out.”
Eatherly’s legal troubles in Nashville culminated in his release on a $5,000 bond, as stated in a judge’s order. Despite this, the incident underscored his tendency to engage in provocative behavior, particularly in public spaces. The connection between his past actions and the recent shooting has sparked discussions about the role of online content in influencing real-world conflicts.
Prior Arrest and Incident in Nashville
Before the shooting, Eatherly’s actions had already led to a previous arrest. On Saturday, he was involved in a confrontation at a restaurant in Nashville, where he was reportedly kicked out of the establishment. The affidavit from prosecutors in that case described him as a livestreamer who regularly “filmed content, including racially charged material” on social media. According to the document, Eatherly had been instructed by staff to cease livestreaming and avoid disrupting the venue but persisted in doing so. His conduct escalated when he was told to stop, prompting him to “start making racial statements, yelling, screaming,” and creating a public scene.
As a result of his behavior, Eatherly was charged with theft of services, disorderly conduct, and resisting arrest. The case highlighted his habit of using livestreaming as a platform to spread his views, even in settings where he was expected to remain respectful. His refusal to pay for his meal, which cost $371.55, further demonstrated his defiance. After being informed he was being removed from the restaurant, Eatherly reportedly stated, “I’m not paying if you are kicking me out,” before being taken into custody a few hours later.
Although the Nashville incident was resolved with a bond of $5,000, it set the stage for the more severe charges he now faces. The transition from a minor offense to a potentially life-altering case illustrates the progression of his behavior and the legal ramifications of his actions. The connection between his past conduct and the recent shooting has also raised questions about the influence of his online content on real-life altercations.
Civil Case and Unresolved Details
A civil case involving Eatherly and Midland Credit Management Inc. had been scheduled at the Montgomery County Courthouse on Wednesday morning, the same day the shooting occurred. However, it remains unclear whether Eatherly attended the hearing. The case, according to court records, centered around a debt of $3,300 owed to the credit company. This adds another layer to Eatherly’s legal challenges, as he now faces both criminal and civil proceedings simultaneously.
While the shooting incident is the most prominent aspect of his recent legal troubles, several details remain unconfirmed. Officials have not provided specifics about the number of firearms involved, the exact sequence of events, or the motivations behind the confrontation. A witness who observed the unidentified man being loaded into an ambulance described him as Black, though the victim’s identity has not been officially disclosed. These unanswered questions leave room for speculation about the nature of the conflict and its broader implications.
The incident has also reignited debates about the intersection of online rhetoric and offline violence. Eatherly’s history of using racial slurs and his willingness to escalate situations have positioned him as a figure emblematic of the broader issue of how social media can amplify divisive attitudes. As his case progresses, the focus will likely remain on whether his online persona directly influenced the events that led to the shooting and the charges he now faces.
With the bond set at a substantial $1.25 million, the legal system is signaling its intent to hold Eatherly accountable for the alleged crimes. The judge’s remarks during the bond hearing underscore the severity of the charges, linking the courthouse confrontation to the broader context of his past actions. As the preliminary hearing approaches, the public will be watching closely to see how Eatherly’s story unfolds and what it reveals about the impact of his content on real-world violence.
