Racist Streamer Chud the Builder Faces Prison After Tennessee Courthouse Shooting
A Davidson County judge revoked the bond of Dalton Eatherly, known as “Chud the Builder,” after he allegedly shot and nearly killed a man outside the Montgomery County Courthouse in Clarksville, Tennessee. According to court records, Eatherly faces attempted murder charges and a potential sentence of up to 60 years in prison.
Why was Dalton Eatherly’s bond revoked?
A Davidson County judge revoked Eatherly’s bond on Wednesday after reviewing new evidence and the defendant’s conduct. During the hearing, a Montgomery County investigator stated that Eatherly’s social media posts and videos made the shooting appear “premeditative.”
The revocation follows a series of escalations. Eatherly had previously been out on bond for charges in Nashville, including theft, disorderly conduct, and resisting arrest, after he allegedly left a restaurant without paying an almost $400 tab.
What are the charges against “Chud the Builder”?
Eatherly faces a series of felony charges stemming from the courthouse altercation, where he allegedly shot a Black man and himself. Both individuals survived the incident.
The current charges include attempted murder, aggravated assault, reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon, and employing a firearm during a dangerous felony. He faces a maximum of 60 years in prison.
Prosecutors point to a pattern of public provocation. In a now-deleted X post from May 7, Eatherly wrote, “Series finale is dead chimp on the pavement and you monkeys rioting when I walk free.”
How does this fit into the broader trend of online extremism?
Eatherly is part of a wave of right-wing streamers who monetize racist hate speech via social media donations. This brand of white supremacy often avoids traditional political institutions, instead using social media to appeal to disillusioned young men.
Surveys from Gallup, Harvard, and Johns Hopkins indicate that young Americans increasingly distrust government, media, and political parties. Figures like Eatherly and Nick Fuentes leverage this alienation by framing racist stunts as “free speech.”
Federal prosecutors have previously targeted similar online ecosystems. In September 2025, authorities charged organizers of the white supremacist group “Terrorgram” with soliciting hate crimes and the murder of public officials.
What could happen next in the legal proceedings?
Eatherly remains in custody with a $1 million bond set in the Montgomery County shooting case. His legal position may be further complicated by the evidence of his previous livestreams, which show him threatening to blow targets’ “brains out” while armed with a pistol and pepper spray.
The case may also draw further disruptions from far-right activists. At one hearing, Jake Lang, a Trump-pardoned January 6 rioter, was sentenced to 10 days in jail for contempt after being removed by bailiffs for disrupting court proceedings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is “Chud the Builder”?
Dalton Eatherly, known as “Chud the Builder,” is an online streamer who produced racist content and allegedly engaged in violent public confrontations.
What happened at the Montgomery County Courthouse?
Eatherly allegedly shot a Black man and himself during an altercation outside the courthouse; both survived.
What was the Nashville restaurant incident?
Eatherly was arrested for theft, disorderly conduct, and resisting arrest after allegedly leaving a restaurant without paying a bill of nearly $400.
Do you think social media platforms should be held responsible for the monetization of hate speech that leads to real-world violence?