Livestreamer known for posting racist content is in custody after confrontation leads to shooting outside courthouse, DA says

Chud the Builder, Racist Livestreamer, Faces Charges Following Courthouse Confrontation

Livestreamer known for posting racist content – Clarksville, Tennessee, has become the center of a recent incident involving Dalton Eatherly, a content creator who has gained notoriety for distributing videos that feature racial slurs. Authorities reported that Eatherly was taken into custody after a brief altercation with an unidentified man outside the Montgomery County Courthouse on Wednesday, resulting in gunshots being fired. The event has raised questions about the role of public livestreaming in escalating confrontations, according to the Tennessee District Attorney General’s Office.

Details of the Confrontation

The confrontation occurred when Eatherly and the man were seen interacting near the courthouse. Both individuals sustained injuries from the gunfire and were transported to nearby hospitals, where they are currently in stable condition, as stated by the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office. While the exact sequence of events remains under investigation, Eatherly has provided a firsthand account of what transpired during the incident.

“I had to defend myself by shooting him,” Eatherly explained in a video he shared after the event. He described walking past the man, who was reportedly laughing and pointing at him, before the altercation escalated. “He said, ‘You start saying all that chimp out s**t to me and ‘imma hit you,’ and he hit me, he started whaling on me,” he added.

The DA’s office confirmed Eatherly is a suspect in the shooting but has not yet disclosed the specific charges he might face. The ongoing investigation aims to determine who fired the shots and the circumstances leading to the confrontation. This case underscores the potential for livestreamed interactions to draw attention to individuals’ behaviors, even in public settings.

Background on Chud the Builder

Before the courthouse incident, Eatherly had already drawn criticism for his online content. Earlier this week, he was arrested in Nashville over the weekend on charges of theft of services, disorderly conduct, and resisting arrest. According to an affidavit, Eatherly was asked by restaurant staff to stop livestreaming and to avoid causing disruptions inside the establishment. However, he continued to broadcast despite being instructed otherwise.

The DA’s office described Eatherly as a livestreamer who regularly produces racially charged material on social media. The affidavit noted that when told to cease live streaming, he became “disruptive and started making racial statements,” yelling and screaming to create a scene. He then allegedly told the staff, “I’m not paying if you are kicking me out,” and refused to cover the cost of his $371.55 meal. This incident highlights a pattern of behavior that includes both verbal and physical aggression.

One of Eatherly’s videos, shared on X last week, shows him spraying a chemical agent at a Black man after the man knocked his hat off. In the footage, Eatherly repeatedly refers to the individual as “N***er,” a term that has been used in his other online posts to describe Black people. These videos have sparked backlash, with some critics calling attention to his use of derogatory language and his tendency to provoke conflict in public.

Public Reaction and Criticism

His actions have not gone unnoticed by prominent right-wing figures. Nick Fuentes, a well-known White nationalist and Holocaust denier, criticized Eatherly on his podcast, expressing disapproval of the way he interacts with others. “I don’t like ‘that approach of antagonizing people in public… I think it’s wrong, it’s unethical,'” Fuentes said, highlighting the broader implications of Eatherly’s behavior for the White nationalist movement.

Eatherly’s conduct has also been scrutinized by advocates for racial justice, who argue that his livestreaming activities contribute to the spread of harmful rhetoric. The US government has been vocal about its stance against White nationalism, and this incident may be seen as an example of the ideology’s influence in everyday interactions. While the DA’s office has not yet linked the courthouse shooting directly to White nationalist activities, the timing of the event and Eatherly’s history suggest a possible connection.

Following his arrest, Eatherly was released on a $5,000 bond, as ordered by a judge. This decision reflects the balance between holding him accountable for his actions and allowing him the opportunity to return to the public. However, the incident has reignited discussions about the responsibilities of content creators and the impact of their online presence on real-world interactions.

Context of the Livestreamer’s Behavior

Additional videos posted by Eatherly illustrate a history of using racial slurs and engaging in confrontational behavior. One such video shows him repeatedly calling a Black person “chimp” while exchanging words with others. These instances demonstrate a consistent approach to framing Black individuals through negative stereotypes, which has drawn criticism from both within and outside the White nationalist community.

The current case may be part of a larger narrative involving how public spaces are used to amplify racial tensions. Eatherly’s decision to livestream during the confrontation with the man outside the courthouse adds another layer to the situation, as it allows for real-time engagement with his audience. This could be seen as an effort to justify his actions through the lens of public accountability or as a way to deflect criticism by sharing his perspective.

While the exact details of the shooting are still being investigated, the incident has already sparked debate about the role of livestreaming in shaping public perception of individuals and their actions. The DA’s office has emphasized that the matter is ongoing, with multiple factors to be explored, including Eatherly’s mental state and the nature of his relationship with the unidentified man.

Developing Story and Next Steps

This is a developing story, and further updates are expected as the investigation progresses. The arrests and charges against Eatherly may evolve, depending on the evidence gathered. The case also raises questions about the broader impact of livestreaming on public discourse, particularly in the context of racial issues.

CNN’s Ryan Young, Caroll Alvarado, and Nina Giraldo contributed to this report, providing insights into the unfolding events. As the details of the courthouse confrontation and the restaurant incident continue to be examined, the public remains watchful, eager to understand the full scope of Eatherly’s actions and their implications for the livestreaming community and beyond.