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

Livestreamer Known for Racist Content Taken into Custody After Courthouse Confrontation

Livestreamer known for posting racist content – Clarksville, Tennessee, witnessed a dramatic incident on Wednesday when Dalton Eatherly, a content creator who goes by “Chud the Builder” online, found himself in custody following a confrontation that escalated into gunfire outside the Montgomery County Courthouse. Authorities confirmed that both Eatherly and the other individual involved were wounded but remain in stable condition at nearby hospitals, according to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office. The Tennessee District Attorney General’s Office stated that Eatherly is under investigation as a suspect, though the exact charges he may face are yet to be determined.

The altercation unfolded shortly after noon, with Eatherly and the unidentified man engaged in a heated exchange on the courthouse steps. Witnesses reported that the man had been “laughing” and “pointing at” Eatherly before the incident, setting the stage for what would become a tense standoff. When the man reportedly demanded that Eatherly move away, the situation reportedly spiraled into violence. Eatherly, in a video posted to social media following the event, claimed he had to “defend himself by shooting him,” describing the confrontation as a necessary response to perceived provocation.

“I had to defend myself by shooting him,” Eatherly said in the video, where he appeared to address first responders. He added that the man had told him to “walk away” before returning to strike, prompting Eatherly to assert, “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.”

The DA’s office has not yet clarified who fired the shots, stating that the investigation is ongoing. This ambiguity adds to the complexity of the case, as law enforcement works to piece together the sequence of events. Eatherly’s history of using racial slurs in his content has been a point of contention, with his videos often drawing scrutiny for their derogatory language toward Black individuals. His most recent posts, including a clip where he sprayed a chemical agent at a Black man and repeatedly called him “N***er,” have been shared widely on platforms like X, fueling public debate over his conduct.

Prior Incidents Highlight Pattern of Disruptive Behavior

Days before the courthouse confrontation, Eatherly faced another incident that underscored his tendency to create disturbances in public spaces. On Saturday, he was removed from a restaurant in Nashville and arrested on charges of theft of services, disorderly conduct, and resisting arrest, as detailed in an affidavit. According to the document, restaurant staff had asked him to cease livestreaming and stop being disruptive, but Eatherly ignored their request, continuing to broadcast while making racial remarks and causing a scene.

Prosecutors in that case described Eatherly as a “livestreamer who filmed content, including racially charged material, on social media.” The affidavit noted that when confronted, he became “disruptive and started making racial statements, yelling, screaming,” and refused to pay for a $371.55 meal. His justification for the defiance was reportedly that he would not pay if he was being “kicked out,” a sentiment that reflects his habit of framing his actions as self-defense or resistance to perceived injustice.

Right-Wing Figures Criticize His Racial Tendencies

Eatherly’s conduct has not only drawn attention from law enforcement but also criticism from prominent right-wing figures. Nick Fuentes, a well-known White nationalist and Holocaust denier, expressed disapproval of Eatherly’s approach during a recent podcast appearance. When asked about the content creator, Fuentes remarked, “I don’t like that approach of antagonizing people in public… I think it’s wrong, it’s unethical.” His comments highlight the divide within the far-right community, where some may support Eatherly’s rhetoric while others condemn his confrontational style.

Despite Fuentes’ criticism, Eatherly’s videos continue to resonate with audiences who appreciate his unapologetic use of racial language. His content often features a blend of personal anecdotes and overtly prejudiced remarks, such as referring to Black people as “chimps” in multiple posts. These clips have been shared across social media platforms, amplifying his reach and influence. However, the recent shooting incident has forced a broader conversation about how his actions translate into real-world violence.

In the aftermath of the confrontation, officers located Eatherly on a street shortly after the incident and apprehended him without further incident. He was then taken into custody, with a judge later granting him release on a $5,000 bond. While this decision allows him to remain free pending further legal proceedings, it has sparked discussions about the balance between free speech and accountability for harmful behavior.

The US government, which has previously taken strong stances against White nationalist groups, appears to be monitoring the situation closely. The shooting outside the courthouse raises questions about whether Eatherly’s actions align with the values of the far-right movement or if they represent a broader challenge to its ethos. His ability to blend personal expression with racial animus has positioned him as a figure of controversy, with critics arguing that his content incites hostility and his actions justify the use of force against others.

As the investigation into the incident continues, authorities are expected to release more details about the circumstances that led to the confrontation. Meanwhile, Eatherly’s supporters on social media are rallying behind him, emphasizing his right to free speech and framing the shooting as a justified act of self-defense. However, the public remains divided, with some calling for stricter measures against individuals who use racist rhetoric to provoke violence.

This developing story is likely to have lasting implications for Eatherly’s career and his standing within the online community. With a history of provocative behavior and a reputation for inciting racial tensions, the incident could serve as a turning point in how his content is perceived. Whether it leads to criminal charges or reinforces his image as a fearless livestreamer remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the events outside the Tennessee courthouse have placed him in the spotlight, raising important questions about the role of social media in shaping real-world conflicts.

CNN’s Ryan Young and Nina Giraldo contributed to this report.