Livestreamer known for racist content faces attempted murder charge with bond set at $1.25 million after courthouse shooting

Livestreamer Known for Racist Content Faces Attempted Murder Charge Following Courthouse Shooting

Livestreamer known for racist content faces – On Friday morning, Dalton Eatherly—better known by his online moniker “Chud the Builder”—made his court appearance in Montgomery County, Tennessee, charged with attempted criminal homicide and other offenses after a violent incident at the courthouse occurred earlier in the week. According to authorities, the shooting took place on Wednesday afternoon outside the courthouse in Clarksville, during a confrontation with Joshua Fox, an unidentified man who was initially detained with Eatherly but later released. The event has sparked a broader discussion about the influence of social media on real-world aggression.

Eatherly, 28, was described in the arrest warrant as positioning himself in a defensive posture, drawing a firearm from his jacket pocket during an altercation. The document states that he turned his body “in a bladed stance” toward Fox before the conflict escalated. Surveillance footage, though not yet reviewed by CNN, indicated that a ricocheting bullet struck nearby walls, highlighting the chaotic nature of the scene. The incident occurred around 1:20 p.m., with several bystanders present, raising questions about the immediate consequences of the confrontation.

Social Media History Reveals Racist Tendencies

Officials have pointed to Eatherly’s past behavior on platforms like YouTube and TikTok as a contributing factor to the incident. His content often features racial slurs directed at Black individuals, with at least one video depicting him using force against a Black person. In these videos, Eatherly is frequently seen labeling Black people as “chimps,” a term he has used repeatedly to describe them in his online commentary. This pattern of rhetoric has been noted in previous cases, including a notable arrest in Nashville where he was cited for causing disruption in a public setting.

During a livestream of the courthouse shooting, Eatherly narrated the events in a calm yet confrontational tone. He claimed that a group of individuals had been “laughing” and “pointing at me” as he walked past them, prompting one man to confront him. “He said, ‘You start saying all that chimp out s**t to me and ‘Imma hit you,’ and he hit me,” Eatherly explained in the video. “He started whaling on me, even after I had to defend myself by shooting him,” he added, justifying his actions as a necessary response to perceived aggression.

The witness who described the other man as Black to The Associated Press emphasized the tension in the moment. “He said, ‘I have PTSD,’ and that’s why he approached me,” the account detailed. This detail adds another layer to the narrative, suggesting that the victim may have been motivated by personal trauma. However, it also underscores the racial element of the conflict, which Eatherly had previously amplified through his content.

Bond Set at $1.25 Million Amid Serious Charges

At his arraignment and bond hearing, General Session Court Judge Reid Poland III imposed a $1.25 million bond, citing the “seriousness of all these felonies” and the presence of multiple individuals in the courthouse courtyard at the time. The judge noted that the attempted murder charge could result in a prison sentence ranging from 15 to 60 years in a Tennessee state penitentiary. Eatherly, dressed in a marked Montgomery County Jail jumpsuit, appeared visibly affected when the bond amount was announced, closing his eyes briefly as if processing the weight of the decision.

According to the arrest warrant, Eatherly was the aggressor in the physical altercation, which led to Fox being shot multiple times. Both parties were injured in the incident, with Eatherly taken to a hospital for treatment. Fox was transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center and underwent emergency surgery, underscoring the severity of the injuries. The sheriff’s office confirmed that the charges include not only attempted murder but also aggravated assault and reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon.

Eatherly’s track record extends beyond the recent courthouse event. In a prior incident, he was arrested in Nashville after being kicked out of a restaurant. The case documents describe him as a livestreamer who “filmed content, including racially charged material” on social media, which he continued to do despite being asked to stop by staff. The arrest affidavit states that Eatherly refused to pay for his meal, valued at $371.55, after asserting, “I’m not paying if you are kicking me out.” This incident, which occurred on Saturday, led to charges of theft of services, disorderly conduct, and resisting arrest. He was initially released on a $5,000 bond, indicating a lower perceived threat at the time.

As the case progresses, the preliminary hearing is set for May 26, with Attorney Jake Fendley appointed to represent Eatherly. Fendley has previously handled cases involving the livestreamer, suggesting a potential familiarity with his legal history. The hearing will likely address the sequence of events leading to the shooting, including Eatherly’s livestream of the incident and his defense of the actions taken. The community is now watching closely as the legal proceedings unfold, with many drawing parallels between his online rhetoric and the real-world violence that followed.

The incident has ignited debates about the role of social media in fostering racial animosity and how such content can translate into physical altercations. Eatherly’s use of racial slurs and his tendency to provoke others through his videos have been highlighted as factors in the shooting. However, the courtroom drama also raises questions about the justice system’s approach to online influence in criminal cases. As the bond amount reflects the gravity of the charges, the focus remains on Eatherly’s actions and the broader implications of his behavior.