Controversial livestreamer Dalton Eatherly, better known online as “Chud the Builder,” appeared in a Tennessee courtroom Friday where a judge set his preliminary bond at $1.25 million following charges tied to the recent shooting outside the Montgomery County Courthouse in Clarksville. Prosecutors had reportedly asked the court to deny bond entirely, but the judge instead imposed the seven-figure amount because of the seriousness of the allegations and the danger posed in a crowded public area. (WZTV)
Advertisement
Eatherly, 28, is facing attempted murder, aggravated assault, reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon, and firearm-related felony charges after authorities say an altercation outside the courthouse escalated into gunfire earlier this week. Investigators allege another man, identified in some reports as Joshua Fox, suffered multiple gunshot wounds during the confrontation. Authorities also believe Eatherly accidentally shot himself during the incident. Both men survived and were hospitalized. (ABC7 Los Angeles)
The case has exploded online because of Eatherly’s notoriety as a livestream personality known for inflammatory and racially provocative content designed to spark confrontations in public. The courthouse shooting came only days after Eatherly was arrested in Nashville on unrelated charges involving theft of services, disorderly conduct, and resisting arrest after a dispute at a steakhouse. (New York Post)
During Friday’s hearing, reports say the judge emphasized public safety concerns while setting the massive bond amount. According to local coverage, prosecutors highlighted the fact that the shooting occurred near a courthouse with civilians and deputies nearby during daytime hours. Surveillance footage reportedly captured ricocheted bullets and panic in the area. (ABC News)
Advertisement
Eatherly remains jailed in Montgomery County while awaiting additional court proceedings. A full bond hearing is scheduled for May 21, with a preliminary hearing expected later in the month. Meanwhile, social media continues to debate the incident, with supporters claiming self-defense and critics arguing the shooting reflects the dangerous escalation of shock-content streaming culture. (WZTV)
