On May 13, at approximately 1:20 p.m., law enforcement responded to reports of gunfire outside the Montgomery County Courthouse in Clarksville, Tennessee. Two adult men sustained gunshot wounds and were transported to separate hospitals in stable condition. No ongoing threat to the public was reported.
Authorities have not stated who fired the shots, whether both men were armed, or whether charges will be filed.
Incident Details
The shooting occurred following a confrontation between two men outside the courthouse. According to District Attorney General Robert J. Nash, the encounter escalated into an exchange of gunfire. Both individuals were injured in the incident.
One man was taken to Vanderbilt of Clarksville Hospital, while the other was transported by Lifeflight to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville. Both were listed in stable condition on Wednesday evening.
Identities
The Tennessee District Attorney General's Office identified one of the men as Dalton Eatherly, 28, known online as "Chud the Builder." The other individual has not been publicly identified. Witnesses described the second man as Black.
According to news website Clarksville Now, citing District Attorney Nash, Eatherly is reported to have fired his weapon and appeared to have shot himself in the arm.
Charges
Eatherly was arrested and charged with:
- Attempted murder
- Employing a firearm during a dangerous felony
- Aggravated assault
- Reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon
District Attorney Robert J. Nash confirmed the charges but did not provide further details about the confrontation.
Law Enforcement Response
"Thanks to the quick actions of our courthouse deputies, this situation was likely kept from becoming much worse." — Sheriff John Fuson
Officials said the scene was secured shortly after deputies arrived. The courthouse was temporarily locked down. The incident remains under investigation.
Background
Eatherly was scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday as a defendant in a civil case regarding a $3,300 debt.
He had a separate criminal case pending from an incident on the preceding weekend. According to reports, on Sunday, Eatherly was asked not to livestream at Bob's Steak & Chop House in Nashville. When he continued, he made racial statements and refused to pay his $371.55 bill. He was subsequently charged with theft of services, disorderly conduct, and resisting arrest. He was released after posting a $5,000 bond and is due back in court on those charges on July 17.
Statements from Witnesses
A witness, Claire Martin, stated that Eatherly is "well known in Clarksville for antagonizing people" and "yells racial slurs." In a video posted online, Eatherly stated he shot in self-defense after being hit.