A shooting outside the Montgomery County Courthouse in Clarksville, Tennessee, involving online livestreamer Dalton Eatherly, known online as “Chud the Builder,” remains under active investigation as both Eatherly and Joshua Fox continue recovering from their injuries.
The incident occurred on May 13 shortly after Eatherly attended a civil debt hearing at the courthouse complex on Millennium Plaza. According to law-enforcement statements and multiple media reports, Eatherly encountered a group outside the courthouse that included 31-year-old Joshua Fox, a Black U.S. Army veteran and father of two. Witness accounts and available statements indicate the group laughed and pointed at Eatherly before a verbal confrontation escalated into physical violence.
Authorities say Fox punched Eatherly during the exchange after referencing Eatherly’s prior online use of phrases such as “chimp out.” Eatherly then drew a handgun and fired multiple shots, striking Fox in the shoulder and stomach. Eatherly also suffered a gunshot wound or graze wound to the arm during the incident.
Following the shooting, Eatherly remained at the scene, contacted first responders, and claimed self-defense while livestreaming portions of the aftermath. Deputies and EMS responded quickly and transported both men to hospitals. Fox reportedly underwent surgery after being airlifted to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in some accounts. As of the evening of May 14, both men remain alive and listed in stable condition.
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office arrested Eatherly at the scene. He now faces charges including criminal attempt to commit first-degree murder, employing a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony, aggravated assault, and reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon. He remains held without bond pending further court proceedings.
The case rapidly spread online after an edited clip of Eatherly’s call with first responders was posted to X by user @LRHN_Cash.
Authorities have not released full bodycam footage or complete emergency audio. Prosecutors are continuing to evaluate whether the verbal confrontation and alleged provocation affect a potential self-defense claim under Tennessee law.
Despite widespread online rumors claiming Fox had died, no law-enforcement agency or credible news outlet has reported a fatality. Investigators say the case remains active and additional details are expected as witness statements, forensic evidence, and bond proceedings continue to develop.
