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Law and Government

Chud the Builder Charged May 14: Livestreamer Faces Attempted Murder

May 14, 2026
7 min read

Key Points

Livestreamer Dalton Eatherly charged with attempted murder after courthouse shooting.

Eatherly faces multiple felonies including employing firearm during dangerous felony.

Montgomery County Courthouse closed May 14 for investigation completion.

Case highlights legal consequences for social media personalities involved in violence.

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A controversial social media personality has been charged with attempted murder following a violent confrontation outside a Tennessee courthouse. Livestreamer “Chud the Builder,” whose real name is Dalton Eatherly, was involved in a shooting incident around 1:20 p.m. on May 13 outside the Montgomery County Courthouse in Clarksville. The 28-year-old streamer, known for using offensive racial language online, has been booked into the Montgomery County Jail. The incident has generated significant public attention, with search volume for the case surging 1,000% in just 24 hours. This case raises important questions about online behavior, courthouse security, and how social media personalities face legal consequences for real-world violence.

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The Shooting Incident and Charges

The confrontation outside Montgomery County Courthouse escalated into gunfire, leaving multiple people injured. Dalton Eatherly has been charged with attempted murder, employing a firearm during dangerous felony, aggravated assault, and reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon. According to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred during a physical altercation that turned violent. Sheriff Fuson stated that “this kind of violence won’t be tolerated, and our office will work to make sure those responsible are held accountable.” The courthouse complex was immediately closed following the shooting as investigators secured the scene and gathered evidence from multiple witnesses present during the confrontation.

Eatherly’s Background and Online Presence

Dalton Eatherly built a following as a livestreamer but became known for controversial content involving offensive racial language and inflammatory rhetoric. His online persona attracted both followers and critics who flagged his behavior to platform moderators. The 28-year-old’s streaming activities had generated complaints from community members concerned about the nature of his content and its potential impact on viewers. Despite warnings and platform restrictions, Eatherly continued his online presence, which ultimately led to the courthouse confrontation that resulted in criminal charges.

The Confrontation Details

The shooting occurred around 1:20 p.m. on May 13 outside the courthouse building. A physical fight preceded the gunfire, suggesting the incident escalated from a verbal dispute into violence. Multiple people sustained injuries during the exchange of gunfire. District Attorney General Robert J. Nash of the 19th Judicial District confirmed the details of the confrontation and the charges filed against Eatherly. The exact circumstances that triggered the initial altercation remain under investigation as authorities continue gathering statements from witnesses present at the scene.

Courthouse Security and Public Safety Response

The shooting outside a government building raised immediate concerns about courthouse security and public safety protocols. The Montgomery County Courts Complex announced it would remain closed on May 14 as investigators continued their work at the scene. This closure affected three courthouse buildings: the Historic Courthouse at 1 Millennium Plaza, the County Courthouse at 2 Millennium Plaza, and the Montgomery County Annex Building at 121 S. Third Street. Public officials urged residents to avoid the area while law enforcement secured evidence and interviewed witnesses.

Investigation and Evidence Collection

Authorities worked quickly to secure the scene and gather physical evidence from the shooting. Multiple witnesses provided statements to investigators about what they observed during the confrontation. The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office coordinated with local law enforcement agencies to ensure a thorough investigation. Evidence collection included ballistic analysis, witness statements, and surveillance footage from courthouse cameras. Investigators documented the timeline of events leading up to the shooting and the sequence of gunfire that resulted in injuries to multiple people.

Community Impact and Closure

The courthouse closure disrupted normal judicial operations and affected residents who needed to conduct business at the complex. Court proceedings were postponed, and staff were directed to work remotely or from alternative locations. The incident highlighted vulnerabilities in courthouse security and prompted discussions about enhanced protective measures. Local officials emphasized their commitment to maintaining safe public spaces and preventing similar incidents in the future. The closure remained in effect until investigators completed their preliminary work and cleared the building for reopening.

Dalton Eatherly faces serious felony charges that carry substantial prison time if he is convicted. The attempted murder charge is the most serious count, reflecting the severity of the shooting incident. Additional charges for employing a firearm during a dangerous felony, aggravated assault, and reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon demonstrate the multiple violations prosecutors believe occurred during the confrontation. Eatherly has been booked into the Montgomery County Jail pending his initial appearance before a judge.

Bail and Court Proceedings

The judicial process will begin with Eatherly’s initial appearance, where a judge will determine bail conditions or whether he will remain in custody. Prosecutors will present evidence of the charges, and the defense will have opportunity to respond. The court will consider factors such as flight risk, danger to the community, and ties to the area when making bail decisions. Eatherly’s prior record and the severity of the charges will influence the judge’s determination. The case will proceed through the criminal justice system with preliminary hearings, grand jury review, and potential trial proceedings.

District Attorney’s Role

District Attorney General Robert J. Nash of the 19th Judicial District is overseeing the prosecution of the case. The DA’s office will present evidence to a grand jury to secure an indictment and prepare the case for trial. Prosecutors will work with law enforcement to build a strong case based on witness testimony, physical evidence, and forensic analysis. The DA’s office will also coordinate with victims’ advocates to support those injured in the shooting. The prosecution will seek appropriate penalties based on the evidence and applicable Tennessee criminal statutes.

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Final Thoughts

The charging of Dalton Eatherly, known as “Chud the Builder,” with attempted murder marks a significant moment in how courts address violence involving social media personalities. The incident outside Montgomery County Courthouse demonstrates that online behavior and real-world actions have serious legal consequences. Eatherly’s multiple felony charges—attempted murder, employing a firearm during dangerous felony, aggravated assault, and reckless endangerment—reflect the gravity of the shooting that injured multiple people. The courthouse closure and ongoing investigation underscore the impact such violence has on judicial operations and public safety. As the case proceeds through Tenness…

FAQs

What charges has Dalton Eatherly been charged with?

Eatherly faces attempted murder, firearm use during dangerous felony, aggravated assault, and reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon—all carrying significant prison sentences if convicted.

Where did the shooting occur?

The shooting occurred outside Montgomery County Courthouse in Clarksville, Tennessee, on May 13, 2026, around 1:20 p.m. during a physical altercation that escalated into gunfire.

Why was the courthouse closed after the incident?

The Montgomery County Courts Complex closed May 14 to allow investigators to complete their work and gather evidence across three courthouse buildings while interviewing witnesses.

Who is Dalton Eatherly?

Dalton Eatherly, 28, is a livestreamer known as “Chud the Builder” who became controversial for using offensive racial language in online content, generating community complaints.

What is the next step in the legal process?

Eatherly will have an initial bail determination hearing. Prosecutors will present evidence to a grand jury for indictment, followed by preliminary hearings and potential trial.

Disclaimer:

The content shared by Meyka AI PTY LTD is solely for research and informational purposes.  Meyka is not a financial advisory service, and the information provided should not be considered investment or trading advice.

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