Livestreamer known for racist content faces attempted murder charge with bond set at $1.25 million after courthouse shooting
Chud the Builder Faces Attempted Murder Charge
Livestreamer known for racist content faces – Dalton Eatherly, the livestreamer known for racist content, has been charged with attempted murder after a dramatic courthouse shooting in Clarksville, Tennessee. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, led to Eatherly’s appearance in court on Friday, where his bond was set at $1.25 million. The arrest warrant details how the 28-year-old influencer, who uses the handle “Chud the Builder,” opened fire during a heated confrontation, drawing widespread attention due to his history of spreading racially inflammatory material online.
A Violent Confrontation Outside the Courthouse
The altercation began when Eatherly and Joshua Fox, a local man, argued outside the Clarksville courthouse. Witnesses reported that Eatherly, standing in a tense posture, pulled out a gun from his jacket pocket before the conflict escalated. The shooting resulted in multiple injuries, with Fox being struck by gunfire. Eatherly’s actions have now landed him with charges of attempted criminal homicide, aggravated assault, and using a firearm during a dangerous felony. His courtroom appearance marked the first step in a legal process that could determine his fate for the alleged act.
During the bond hearing, General Session Court Judge Reid Poland III emphasized the severity of the incident, citing the crowded courthouse environment and the potential for further harm. The $1.25 million bond reflects the seriousness of the charges, as the attempted murder accusation carries a possible sentence of 15 to 60 years in a Tennessee state prison. Eatherly’s calm demeanor during the hearing contrasted with the chaos of the shooting, which he later livestreamed to an audience, offering his version of events in real time.
A Livestreamed Defense of His Actions
Eatherly’s post-shooting video livestream provides insight into his mindset, framing the incident as a necessary act of self-defense. In the footage, he described a group of individuals who were “laughing” and “pointing at me,” and claimed one man in the crowd told him to “walk away” after accusing him of using racial slurs. “He hit me. He started whaling on me, even after I had to defend myself by shooting him,” he said, as seen in the captured video. The livestream not only showcases his public persona but also ties his past behavior to the current charges.
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He hit me. He started whaling on me, even after I had to defend myself by shooting him,”
Eatherly’s account highlights his tendency to depict himself as a victim in confrontations, a pattern observed in his earlier livestreams. The video, which was released alongside the arrest warrant, serves as a key piece of evidence for prosecutors. His calm demeanor during the hearing, despite the gravity of the charges, has sparked debate about his awareness of the consequences of his actions.
Long-Standing Racist Content and Legal History
Before the courthouse incident, Eatherly had already drawn criticism for his racially charged content. His YouTube and social media channels have featured videos where he uses derogatory terms like “chimps” to describe Black individuals, a recurring theme in his online presence. This behavior has positioned him as a controversial figure, with his past actions now being scrutinized alongside the recent shooting. The court records reveal a consistent pattern of aggression and divisive rhetoric, which officials say contributed to the escalation of the confrontation.
Additionally, Eatherly faced separate charges in Nashville earlier this week. He was arrested for theft of services, disorderly conduct, and resisting arrest after a dispute at a restaurant. The affidavit from that case notes his habit of livestreaming content, including his racist videos, while interacting with patrons. These incidents underscore a broader narrative of disruptive behavior, with his actions now threatening to place him at the center of a major criminal case. The livestreamer known for racist content is now navigating the legal consequences of his latest act of violence.