Quick Answer
On the afternoon of Wednesday, May 13, 2026, a confrontation outside the Montgomery County Courthouse in Clarksville, Tennessee ended in gunfire and the detainment of 28 year old Dalton Eatherly. Eatherly is widely known online as "Chud the Builder," an influencer who built a following by livestreaming racially provocative confrontations with strangers in public.
Both Eatherly and the other man involved were shot, transported to hospitals, and listed in stable condition. The district attorney's office is reviewing the case to determine formal charges.
The short answer
On the afternoon of Wednesday, May 13, 2026, a confrontation outside the Montgomery County Courthouse in Clarksville, Tennessee ended in gunfire and the detainment of 28 year old Dalton Eatherly. Eatherly is widely known online as "Chud the Builder," an influencer who built a following by livestreaming racially provocative confrontations with strangers in public.
Both Eatherly and the other man involved were shot, transported to hospitals, and listed in stable condition. The district attorney's office is reviewing the case to determine formal charges.
What happened in Clarksville
According to the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office and the district attorney, Eatherly got into a physical altercation with an unidentified man outside the courthouse. The dispute escalated and shots were fired.
- Injuries: Both men sustained gunshot wounds and were taken to local hospitals. Eatherly was reportedly transferred by LifeFlight to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville. Both are in stable condition.
- The buildup: Reports indicate Eatherly initiated a racially charged verbal confrontation. The other man allegedly punched him in the face. During the scuffle that followed, Eatherly discharged a firearm, reportedly grazing his own arm in the process.
- Eatherly's account: In a video posted to Pump.fun shortly after the incident, he claimed he fired in self defense after being struck.
Why he was at the courthouse
Eatherly was scheduled to appear that morning regarding a $3,300 debt collection case. The civil court appointment is unrelated to the criminal investigation now opening into the shooting itself.
Who is Chud the Builder?
Dalton Eatherly built a streaming audience by filming himself aggressively confronting strangers in public, often using racial slurs to provoke reactions. The persona has been condemned by anti hate groups and repeatedly flagged on mainstream platforms, pushing his presence onto smaller alternative networks and pseudonymous accounts.
This is not his first run in with the law. He was recently arrested in Nashville for refusing to pay a restaurant bill. The Clarksville incident fits an escalating pattern of legal trouble.
Ongoing investigation
The district attorney's office is reviewing evidence from the courthouse area, including security camera footage, witness statements, and any social media video posted by Eatherly or bystanders. Possible charges have not been announced. Self defense claims in Tennessee are evaluated under the state's stand your ground statute, which weighs whether the person claiming self defense was the initial aggressor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Was anyone killed in the Clarksville courthouse shooting?
No. Both Dalton Eatherly and the other man involved survived their injuries and were listed in stable condition.
Has Dalton Eatherly been charged?
Not as of May 13, 2026. The district attorney's office is reviewing the facts before announcing any formal charges.
Why was he at the Clarksville courthouse?
He was due in court for a $3,300 debt collection matter, unrelated to the shooting.
The takeaway
The Clarksville courthouse shooting is a developing story tied to a streamer whose entire persona is built on filming racially charged confrontations. The legal questions now turn on whether Eatherly was the initial aggressor and whether his self defense claim survives Tennessee's standard.
Quick recap
Dalton Eatherly, known online as Chud the Builder, was detained after a courthouse confrontation in Clarksville, Tennessee on May 13, 2026 left both him and another man with gunshot wounds. Both are in stable condition. Charges are pending review by the district attorney.
The Sequence of Events
Authorities in Clarksville, Tennessee responded to a shooting outside the Montgomery County Courthouse. Investigators identified Dalton Eatherly, known online as Chud the Builder, as the suspect. The encounter ended after an exchange of gunfire with law enforcement.
Who Was Dalton Eatherly
Eatherly had built a sizable online following on construction and home renovation content under the Chud the Builder name. His videos focused on framing, finish carpentry, and small business advice for tradespeople. Followers described him as outspoken on social and political issues in recent months.
What Investigators Have Said
- The shooting appeared to be targeted rather than random.
- Officers from multiple agencies responded within minutes.
- No bystanders were physically injured during the incident.
Community Response in Clarksville
Local officials closed several blocks around the courthouse for hours during the investigation. Residents gathered nearby expressed shock that violence had reached a building that handles routine civic business for the community. Schools in the immediate area implemented brief shelter in place protocols as a precaution.
The Online Aftermath
Eatherly's social media accounts were preserved by platforms as part of the investigation. Reporters and online researchers have begun examining recent posts for context, although authorities have cautioned against drawing firm conclusions before the full investigation concludes.
Broader Concerns About Courthouse Security
The incident has reignited a national conversation about security at county courthouses, which often lack the screening infrastructure found at federal buildings. Tennessee legislators have indicated they will review existing protocols and potentially expand funding for additional security personnel and equipment.
What Comes Next
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation continues to lead the inquiry, with assistance from local and federal partners. A full incident report is expected in the coming weeks. For now, courthouse operations have resumed under heightened security as the community processes what occurred.
