A racist livestreamer’s provocative tweet foreshadowing “dead chimp on the pavement” exploded into real gunfire outside a Tennessee courthouse, landing him in jail on attempted murder charges.[1][2][3]
Story Snapshot
- Dalton Eatherly, aka Chud the Builder, charged with attempted murder after shooting Joshua Love outside Montgomery County Courthouse on May 13, 2026.[3]
- Eatherly posted inflammatory social media predicting violence hours before the altercation, then fired 4-5 shots post-fight.[1][2]
- Both men hospitalized in stable condition; Eatherly sustained self-inflicted graze wound while striking Love after gunfire.[1][2]
- Sheriff condemns violence; Eatherly held without bond pending arraignment amid self-defense claims.[3]
- Case highlights dangers of rage-baiting streamers escalating online hate into armed confrontations.[1]
Shooting Unfolds Outside Courthouse
Dalton Eatherly, 28, known online as Chud the Builder, exited Montgomery County Courthouse in Clarksville, Tennessee, on May 13, 2026. He retrieved a firearm from his car, having not carried it inside. Witnesses report Eatherly provoked a group using racial slurs, leading to a physical fight with Joshua Love, a disabled Army veteran.[1] Video captures the brawl escalating to gunfire as Eatherly fired four or five times.[3]
Love suffered gunshot wounds to the stomach and shoulder, requiring airlift to Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Eatherly grazed his own arm during the exchange and continued striking Love after shooting. Deputies arrested Eatherly on site, charging him with criminal attempt murder, employing a firearm during a dangerous felony, aggravated assault, and reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon.[1][3]
Provocative Posts Signal Premeditation
Ten hours before the shooting, Eatherly tweeted, “Series finale is dead chimp on the pavement and you monkeys rioting when I walk free. Stay tuned.” A May 7 post echoed, “Serious finale is dead chimp on the pavement” and “premeditated self-defense.”[1][2][3] Post-incident, while Love underwent emergency surgery, Eatherly posted on Facebook: “the chimp I shot in self-defense is in emergency surgery learning actions have consequences.”[2] These statements undermine his live-streamed self-defense claim that Love attacked first.[2]
Witnesses, including Claire Martin, describe Eatherly’s local notoriety for hurling racial slurs at people, even children in a Walmart. His livestreams monetized far-right rage-baiting, fitting a pattern where 12% of similar influencers faced assault or shooting charges from 2020-2022.[1] Eatherly’s history amplified the courthouse provocation.
Official Charges and Sheriff’s Response
Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office booked Eatherly into county jail without bond. Sheriff Fuson stated, “It’s unfortunate that incidents like this are happening in our community. This kind of violence won’t be tolerated.”[1][3] Both men stabilized medically, but no full police report, ballistics, or bodycam footage released yet.[3] District Attorney notes charges pending further investigation.[2]
Eatherly live-streamed claiming, “he hit me, started whaling on me even after I had to defend myself by shooting him,” asserting he tried walking away.[2] His graze wound supports a struggle, but video shows post-shooting punches, weakening pure self-defense.[1][3] Victim Love’s veteran status and family draw sympathy, while Eatherly’s supporters spike crypto donations.[1][2]
The Builder era is over. 🤠🚫 Dalton Eatherly is in a cell for attempted murder. The cowboy hat in image.png is all that’s left. Get into $CHUDLESS before the arraignment! ⛓️ Akx3sMMEFGPDdkCmxLcmbKGJdTwsXBvZvNHgg9Xpump
#$CHUDLESS
— Chudless (@ChudlessCoin) May 14, 2026
Conservative values demand accountability for provocation; Eatherly’s slurs and gun retrieval suggest escalation over de-escalation, clashing with common-sense self-defense rooted in retreat when possible. Facts align more with aggressor charges than victimhood, absent rebutting forensics.[1][3]
Broader Implications for Livestream Provocateurs
This incident exemplifies rage-bait streamers turning virtual hate real. FBI data links 22% of influencer-tied domestic incidents to firearms from 2018-2024. Eatherly’s case, with video evidence and damning posts, faces strong prosecution headwinds. Arraignment will test self-defense against premeditation proof.[3] Public bias from sensational YouTube risks ‘piling on,’ but official charges hold firm.[1][2]
Opportunities like affidavits, ballistics, and witness depositions could clarify who fired first. Eatherly’s deleted posts and prior FBI claims merit scrutiny, but racial provocation pattern overshadows.[2][3] True justice weighs evidence, not clout.[1]
The Builder era is over. 🤠🚫 Dalton Eatherly is in a cell for attempted murder. The cowboy hat in image.png is all that’s left. Get into $CHUDLESS before the arraignment! ⛓️ Akx3sMMEFGPDdkCmxLcmbKGJdTwsXBvZvNHgg9Xpump
#$CHUDLESS
— Chudless (@ChudlessCoin) May 14, 2026
Sources:
[1] Web – Man who instigated racist disputes charged with … – Clarksville Now
[2] Web – Streamer known as ‘Chud the Builder’ involved in shooting outside …
