Dalton Eatherly, the 28-year-old Tennessee livestreamer known online as “Chud the Builder” for his provocative, race-baiting confrontation videos, remains at the center of a high-profile attempted homicide case stemming from a May 13, 2026, shooting outside the Montgomery County Courthouse in Clarksville, Tennessee.
The Incident
Authorities say Eatherly became involved in a verbal altercation with another man, identified as Joshua Fox. Surveillance video reviewed by investigators shows the confrontation began verbally, after which Eatherly reached for a firearm in his jacket pocket. A physical fight then ensued, during which multiple shots were fired. Fox was struck in the torso and arm and required emergency surgery; Eatherly sustained a graze wound. Both men survived. Eatherly has claimed self-defense, stating he was attacked first.
Charges and Initial Court Proceedings
Eatherly faces multiple felony charges: attempted criminal homicide (attempted murder), aggravated assault, employing a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony, and reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon. He was arrested shortly after the incident and booked into Montgomery County Jail.
At his May 15–16 arraignment, General Sessions Court Judge Reid Poland III set an initial bond of $1.25 million, citing the seriousness of the charges, the crowded public courthouse courtyard where the shooting occurred, and concerns for public safety. A preliminary hearing was originally scheduled for May 26.
Latest Developments (May 21, 2026)
In a bond hearing on Thursday, May 21, the judge reset Eatherly’s bond to $1 million and bound the case over to a grand jury for further review. If released, Eatherly would be required to wear a GPS monitor, surrender all firearms, and abide by a strict gag order prohibiting social media posts or livestreams discussing the case, the parties involved, or related facts.
The hearing was reportedly dramatic, lasting several hours with a packed courtroom. Reports indicate the judge ruled that funds raised through post-incident crowdfunding (approximately $230,000–$270,000) cannot be used to post bond, pending a separate source-of-funds hearing. Circulating reports suggest a third-party crypto platform may be exploring covering the bond, though court approval is still required.
The case has sparked intense public debate over free speech, provocation, self-defense claims, and the responsibilities of online content creators. Eatherly’s attorney has previously represented him in other matters; prosecutors maintain the video evidence supports the charges.
SOURCES:
UPDATE: Courthouse shooter bond reset at $1 million, detectives find body armor, ticket to Istanbul – ClarksvilleNow.com
Controversial streamer Dalton Eatherly, known as ‘Chud the Builder,’ has bond reset to $1M in attempted homicide case now bound over to grand jury
‘Chud the Builder’ held on $1.25M bond after charged with attempted murder – ABC30 Fresno
‘Chud the Builder’ held on $1.25M bond for courthouse shooting | AP News
