CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Dalton Eatherly, a man identified as 'Chud the Builder' and known for making racially charged comments online, was arrested for attempted murder following a shooting incident outside a courthouse in Clarksville, TN. The event unfolded during a confrontation with another man that escalated to gunfire, according to officials.
Authorities confirmed that both Eatherly, 28, and the unidentified man were taken to hospitals where they were reported to be in stable condition. Details around the circumstances of their confrontation and what prompted the shooting remain unclear.
A witness, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described seeing the man involved in the altercation being assisted into an ambulance, indicating he may have sustained serious injuries. Eatherly is currently held in the Montgomery County jail, pending his arraignment.
He faces multiple charges including attempted murder, employing a firearm during a dangerous felony, aggravated assault, and reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon. The civil court involvement indicates Eatherly's troubles may extend beyond this incident; he was previously scheduled to appear in court over a substantial debt allegedly owed to a credit company.
This shooting incident follows patterns of Eatherly's documented history of aggressive racially charged confrontations that he livestreams. Local witnesses expressed dismay over his actions, noting that his provocative demeanor has become well-known in the community.
One area resident, Claire Martin, commented on Eatherly's reputation, suggesting that he actively seeks out altercations to incite reactions. Another local resident, Larry Quillen, remarked that Eatherly’s behavior is rooted in hatred, questioning the implications of claiming his actions fall under free speech.
Eatherly is expected in court soon as investigations continue into the events leading up to the shooting.
