Man Charged with Attempted Murder After Courthouse Shooting in Clarksville
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Dalton Eatherly, known online as 'Chud the Builder', was arrested on May 13, 2026, and charged with attempted murder and other felonies following a shooting outside the Montgomery County Courthouse. Two individuals were wounded in an altercation that escalated to gunfire and are in stable condition. Eatherly claimed self-defense in a social media post following the incident.
Facts First
- Dalton Eatherly faces attempted murder and weapons charges after a May 13 shooting outside the Montgomery County Courthouse.
- Two people were shot and hospitalized following a physical altercation, with both listed in stable condition.
- Eatherly posted a social media audio stream claiming he acted in self-defense after being hit.
- The courthouse was closed the following day due to the shooting.
- Eatherly had a recent arrest days prior for disorderly conduct and theft of services at a Nashville restaurant.
What Happened
On Wednesday, May 13, 2026, police responded to reports of shots fired outside the Montgomery County Courthouse in Clarksville, Tennessee. The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office reported a physical altercation between two individuals escalated to gunfire. Both individuals sustained gunshot wounds and were taken to separate hospitals in stable condition. District Attorney General Robert Nash identified one of the individuals as Dalton Eatherly. Eatherly was arrested and charged with attempted murder, employing a firearm during a dangerous felony, aggravated assault, and reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon. He was transferred to the Montgomery County jail after receiving hospital treatment. The courthouse was closed on Thursday, May 14, due to the shooting.
Why this Matters to You
This incident highlights how confrontations in public spaces can escalate to violence, potentially disrupting public services and safety. For residents of Clarksville and nearby Nashville, it may raise concerns about community safety and the real-world consequences of online personas and conflicts. The closure of the courthouse could delay legal proceedings for others. The case also demonstrates how prior public disturbances and financial disputes, like Eatherly's recent arrest and a scheduled court appearance for a debt, can form part of a larger pattern leading to serious criminal charges.
What's Next
Eatherly is now in custody and faces a formal legal process for the attempted murder and related charges. The investigation into the shooting is likely to continue, examining witness accounts, social media posts, and physical evidence. The other individual involved may also face charges as the circumstances are clarified. Eatherly's previous charges for disorderly conduct and theft from a Nashville restaurant are separate legal matters that will proceed through the court system.