Full Breakdown
“Chud the Builder” Involved in Shooting Outside Montgomery County Courthouse
5/14/2026, 9:06:41 AM
Incident Overview
On May 13, 2026, at about 1:15 p.m., a dispute outside the Montgomery County Courthouse in Clarksville, Tennessee, turned into gunfire. Dalton Eatherly, a 28-year-old livestreamer known as “Chud the Builder,” and an unidentified male each suffered gunshot wounds. Both were taken to hospitals; one to Vanderbilt Clarksville Hospital, the other via LifeFlight to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville. Deputies secured the scene and placed Eatherly in custody.
Background & Recent Legal Issues
Five days earlier, Eatherly was arrested at Bob’s Steak & Chop House in Nashville after staff asked him to stop livestreaming. He responded with racial slurs, refused a $371.55 bill, and faced theft of services, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest charges, later released on a $5,000 bond.
Timeline
May 9: Nashville arrest, bond posted.
May 13, 2026, 1:15 p.m.: altercation and shooting; 1:20 p.m.: deputies secure scene.
May 13 evening: courthouse closed.
May 14 onward: DA reviews case; possible grand jury.
July 17: next court date.
Official Statements & Responses
Sheriff John Fuson said courthouse deputies’ swift response prevented a larger incident. District Attorney Robert J. Nash identified Eatherly as a suspect, noting he opened fire and appears to have injured himself, and said the office is reviewing the investigation for possible charges. The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office reported the scene was secured with no ongoing public threat, and courthouse officials announced closure of the historic building and annex pending investigation.
Criticism & Opposition
Right-wing commentator Nick Fuentes condemned Eatherly’s public antagonism as unethical. Media outlets have also denounced his “rage-bait” livestreams that use racial slurs, noting law-enforcement does not condone such behavior.
On-the-Ground Reports
Witnesses said a verbal argument escalated into gunfire, describing it as “the shooting may have stemmed from a physical altercation between two adult men.” Eatherly’s livestream captured his question, “Did I shoot myself or did I graze it?”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Authorities have not identified the second individual, have not disclosed who fired the initial shots, and have not announced specific charges. The DA’s office has labeled Eatherly a suspect but has not detailed potential statutes.
Data & Statistics
Injured parties: two males. Hospital destinations: Vanderbilt Clarksville Hospital; Vanderbilt University Medical Center (LifeFlight). Eatherly in custody, bond $5,000, next court date July 17.
Impact and Significance
The incident highlights law-enforcement challenges with livestreamed confrontations, raises concerns about courthouse security, and underscores the public-safety implications of online extremist behavior.
What’s Next
The Montgomery County District Attorney’s office will continue its review, possibly presenting evidence to a grand jury. Courthouse facilities are expected to reopen after the investigation.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Thanks to the quick actions of our courthouse deputies, this situation was likely kept from becoming much worse,” — Sheriff John Fuson
- “Eatherly was the one who opened fire and appears to have shot himself in the arm in the process.” — District Attorney Robert J. Nash
- “I will defend my life with lethal force. Do not approach me with intent to threaten bodily harm,” — Dalton Eatherly, X post
- “Did I shoot myself or did I graze it?” — Dalton Eatherly, livestream
