CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. — Dalton Eatherly, a man dubbed 'Chud the Builder' known for publicly taunting individuals, was arrested and charged with attempted murder following a shooting outside a courthouse in Clarksville, Tennessee, on Wednesday. Eatherly, 28, and another person allegedly became embroiled in a confrontation that escalated to gunfire, according to District Attorney Robert J. Nash.
Details surrounding the reason for Eatherly's presence at the courthouse remain unclear, but it was reported that he was there for a civil hearing related to an outstanding debt of $3,300 owed to Midland Credit Management.
Following the incident, both men were transported to local hospitals for treatment and have been reported as stable. Eatherly faces a range of charges, including employing a firearm during a dangerous felony, aggravated assault, and reckless endangerment.
According to eyewitness Claire Martin, Eatherly is notorious in Clarksville for his provocations. He yells racial slurs at people while filming them, she stated, expressing her view that he does not contribute positively to the community. This is not a man who adds to society, she added.
In a video shared on social media following the shooting, Eatherly suggested he shot the man in self-defense, questioning whether he had shot himself or just sustained a graze wound. Witnesses noted his confrontational behavior, which has previously included livestreaming derogatory comments directed at people of color.
In addition to the current charges, Eatherly is also facing charges related to an incident earlier in the week when he was accused of causing a disturbance at a Nashville steakhouse, which led to a theft of services charge among others. Community members in Clarksville have expressed concern over his actions, noting the hate-driven nature of his provocations, which they believe will eventually lead to further violence.
As investigations continue, both men involved in the shooting incident remain hospitalized, and Eatherly's court proceedings are ongoing.
