Dalton Eatherly, the livestreamer better known online as Chud the Builder, was shot and wounded outside the Montgomery County Courthouse in Clarksville on Wednesday afternoon during what authorities say was a confrontation in the plaza beside the court complex. Two people were injured in the exchange. Eatherly stayed on his livestream as medics worked on him at the scene, then was taken from the plaza by ambulance and placed in custody.
Officials Say Scene Is Secure, No Ongoing Threat
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and Clarksville Police responded to reports of gunfire around 1:15 p.m., quickly shut down the area, and told the public there was no continuing danger, according to Clarksville Now. District Attorney Robert Nash told the outlet that a preliminary review found there was a confrontation in Millennium Plaza between Eatherly and an unidentified man. Both were taken to the hospital, and the DA’s office is going through the evidence to decide whether formal charges will be filed.
Aftermath Caught On Stream
The chaotic aftermath unfolded live for viewers on Eatherly’s stream. In audio published by TMZ, Eatherly can be heard asking, “Did I shoot myself or did I graze it?” A first responder replies, “It penetrated it, yeah.” A transcript of that exchange, along with additional context from the broadcast, was also detailed by Dexerto.
Streamer’s Recent Run-ins With The Law
The courthouse shooting came less than a week after Eatherly’s latest brush with police in Nashville. He was arrested there after officers say he refused to pay a $371.55 tab at Bob’s Steak & Chop House and became disruptive when staff asked him to stop livestreaming, WSMV reported. Local coverage and court filings also show Eatherly has embraced a provocative on-camera persona and that a November 2025 harassment case tied to him is still under review, according to Clarksville Now.
Detectives Lead Probe As Details Trickle Out
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office said its detectives are taking the lead on the investigation while prosecutors evaluate what they turn up. One person was taken into custody at the scene, according to TMZ. Authorities have not released the name or medical status of the other injured person, and the DA’s office has said it will decide on potential charges only after the facts are fully reviewed.
Self-defense Question Looms Over Case
Prosecutors will have to determine whether the shooting can be justified as self-defense or whether criminal counts are appropriate. The District Attorney’s Office has confirmed that the case is under review, according to Clarksville Now. Officials have stressed that the information available so far is preliminary and say additional details will be released as detectives continue their work.
Court Date, Civil Case, and What Comes Next
Eatherly was already on the docket at the courthouse on Wednesday for a General Sessions Court appearance as a defendant in a civil case filed by Midland Credit Management, according to a court note cited by Dexerto. Prosecutors have indicated that any criminal charges arising from the shooting would be added to the same court calendar. The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and the District Attorney’s Office say they will update the public as they are able and have asked anyone with video of the incident or other witness information to contact investigators.
