A violent confrontation outside a Tennessee courthouse has left two men shot, a controversial livestreamer facing attempted murder charges, and an investigation now centered on a chaotic exchange that unfolded in broad daylight. Authorities say the incident escalated quickly outside the Montgomery County Courthouse in Clarksville, raising urgent questions about what triggered the gunfire.

Shooting Outside Courthouse Sparks Criminal Investigation

The shooting occurred Wednesday during a confrontation between Dalton Eatherly, known online as Chud the Builder, and another unidentified man, according to the Tennessee District Attorney General’s Office. Officials said both men were shot outside the Montgomery County Courthouse.

Both individuals were transported to nearby hospitals and were listed in stable condition as of early Wednesday evening, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office said.

Authorities have not confirmed how the confrontation began or what led to the exchange of gunfire.

Serious Charges Filed as Suspect Booked Into Jail

Eatherly, 28, now faces multiple charges, including attempted murder, employing a firearm during a dangerous felony, aggravated assault, and reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon, according to the sheriff’s office.

He was booked into the Montgomery County jail and is being held pending arraignment, officials said. Authorities have not confirmed whether he has retained legal counsel.

Livestream Captures Aftermath and Self Defense Claim

Following the shooting, Eatherly livestreamed himself speaking to first responders, claiming self defense.

“I had to defend myself by shooting him.”

He described walking past the man and others who were “laughing” and “pointing at me.” According to Eatherly, the situation escalated after he approached them.

He said the unidentified man told him to walk away before returning and saying, “I have PTSD.”

“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,” Eatherly said in the video.

Eatherly has previously posted multiple videos online in which he refers to Black people as chimps.

Sheriff Condemns Violence as Community Tensions Rise

“It’s unfortunate that incidents like this are happening in our community,” Montgomery County Sheriff John Fuson said in a statement.

“This kind of violence won’t be tolerated, and our office will work to make sure those responsible are held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”

History of Controversy Surrounds Livestreamer

Days before the courthouse shooting, Eatherly was removed from a restaurant and later arrested in Nashville on charges including theft of services, disorderly conduct, and resisting arrest, according to an affidavit.

Restaurant staff had asked him not to livestream or be disruptive inside the establishment, but he allegedly continued anyway.

Prosecutors described him as a livestreamer “who filmed content, including racially charged content” on social media.

When asked to stop livestreaming, Eatherly allegedly became “disruptive and started making racial statements, yelling, screaming” and causing a scene, the affidavit said.

He also allegedly said, “I’m not paying if you are kicking me out,” before refusing to pay a bill totaling $371.55.

Officers later located him walking on a street and attempted to arrest him. When they tried to handcuff him, he pulled his arm away, according to the affidavit, and was taken into custody without further incident.

He was later released on a $5,000 bond.

Online History Under Scrutiny

Additional videos posted by Eatherly show repeated use of racial slurs and at least one incident in which he allegedly used force against a Black man.

In one clip posted to X, Eatherly appears to spray what looks like a chemical agent at a Black man after an altercation involving a hat, while repeatedly using a racial slur.

Public Figures React to Growing Controversy

His online behavior has drawn criticism from multiple figures, including right-wing commentator Nick Fuentes, who addressed him on a podcast.

Fuentes said he does not support “that approach of antagonizing people in public … I think it’s wrong, it’s unethical.”

Investigation Ongoing as Community Awaits Answers

Authorities continue to investigate the courthouse shooting as both men recover in stable condition. Officials have not released further details about what led to the confrontation or whether additional charges may be filed.