Additional Coverage:
- Chud the Builder bail set for staggering $1.25m after he allegedly shot veteran and himself (themirror.com)
A Tennessee judge has ordered Dalton Eatherly, a controversial livestreamer known for targeting Black individuals in his online content, to be held on a $1.25 million bond following charges related to an alleged shooting incident. The 28-year-old, who goes by the alias “Chud The Builder,” appeared in court Friday facing attempted murder charges after reportedly shooting a Black man outside the Montgomery County Courthouse on Wednesday.
Authorities also charged Eatherly with using a firearm during a dangerous felony, aggravated assault, and reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon, according to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office. There are unconfirmed reports suggesting he may have shot himself in an attempt to mislead law enforcement.
General Session Court Judge Reid Poland III set the high bond amount, citing the number of people present at the courthouse during the incident and the severity of the charges. Eatherly was seen wearing a jail uniform and appeared distressed as the bond was announced.
In recent weeks, Eatherly has gained notoriety online for posting racist content, including using racial slurs and provoking Black strangers. Some of his videos depict him engaging in physical confrontations.
During the livestream of the shooting incident, Eatherly spoke to first responders, claiming he was provoked by a group who were allegedly laughing and pointing at him. He stated that one man confronted him, mentioned having PTSD, and then physically attacked him, prompting Eatherly to shoot in self-defense.
Both Eatherly and the other man were hospitalized with stable conditions after the incident. Initially, both were detained, but the other individual was later released to medical personnel. Witness accounts and local reports identify the victim as a Black veteran, though police have not officially released their identity or further details.
The full circumstances of the shooting, including how many firearms were involved and the events leading up to it, remain under investigation.