A Tennessee man known for his provocative online presence is facing serious charges following a violent incident outside a courthouse. Dalton Eatherly, also known as “Chud the Builder,” has been charged with attempted murder after a confrontation in Clarksville, Tennessee, turned into a shooting.
Details of the Incident
On Wednesday around 1:20 p.m., authorities responded to reports of gunfire near the Montgomery County Courthouse. Two individuals were engaged in a physical dispute that escalated into a shooting, according to the local sheriff’s office. Both parties involved sustained injuries and were transported to different hospitals, where they were reported in stable condition.
The District Attorney General, Robert Nash, confirmed that Eatherly was one of the individuals in the altercation. The identity of the other person involved remains undisclosed, although a witness described him as Black. As of now, the specific events leading up to the confrontation are unclear, and there has been no confirmation of legal representation for Eatherly in this case.
In audio shared on social media, Eatherly claimed he acted in self-defense, alleging that the other man initiated the physical attack. During the recording, Eatherly is heard speaking with paramedics about his injuries, questioning whether he shot himself or if the wound was a graze.
After receiving medical attention, Eatherly was taken into custody and faces multiple charges, including attempted murder, employing a firearm during a dangerous felony, aggravated assault, and reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon. Updates regarding the condition of the other individual involved have not been provided due to medical privacy regulations.
Background and Legal Challenges
Prior to the shooting, Eatherly had expressed frustrations on an online fundraising platform about difficulties securing work for his contracting business, attributing these challenges to objections over his controversial videos. He characterized these videos as “harmless humor,” despite admitting to using racial slurs. His appeal was directed at “friends, supporters, and champions of free speech.”
However, legal experts suggest that Eatherly’s actions could potentially breach Tennessee’s laws. David Raybin, a criminal defense attorney, noted that carrying a weapon while making threatening remarks could be considered assault, even if no physical contact occurs. Additionally, using “fighting words” can be classified as disorderly conduct under Nashville ordinances.
Community Reactions
Eatherly is a familiar figure in the local community, known for his confrontational behavior and use of racial slurs. Claire Martin, who works near the courthouse, recounted seeing the aftermath of the shooting and mentioned Eatherly’s reputation for targeting Black individuals with his verbal attacks. His disruptive actions are not confined to Clarksville; similar incidents have been reported in nearby Nashville.
Just days before the courthouse incident, Eatherly was removed from a Nashville steakhouse for live-streaming and causing a disturbance, which included making racial comments. He left without paying a significant bill, resulting in charges of theft of services, disorderly conduct, and resisting arrest. He was subsequently released on bond.
On the day of the shooting, Eatherly was expected in court for a separate civil matter concerning an alleged debt. Court records do not clarify whether he attended this hearing, and the shooting occurred several hours later.
Legal Proceedings
As of Thursday, Eatherly’s case was not updated in online court records. If proceedings follow the usual protocol in Montgomery County, Eatherly will face arraignment on Friday, where a judge will determine his bond. The specifics of the altercation are yet to be disclosed by the police, but Raybin highlighted that a self-defense claim would be challenging to uphold if Eatherly is found to have instigated the encounter. The use of lethal force is only justifiable under threat of death or severe injury, Raybin explained.
“I think a prosecutor would give very little weight to claims of self-defense,” he added.
