In late 2025, Dalton “ChudTheBuilder” Eatherly, a streamer with a contentious reputation, initiated a crowdfunding campaign that took an unexpected turn. What began as a plea for financial assistance quickly escalated into a complex situation after Eatherly was arrested in Tennessee on serious charges, including attempted murder.

At the end of 2025, Eatherly launched a campaign on GiveSendGo titled "Help the Chud and his family." He claimed that he lost a contracting job due to backlash from what he described as BLM activists targeting him for his online comments. Following this, he started his own business, DLE Contracting, in Clarksville, Tennessee, but alleged that his reputation was being damaged by falsehoods spread within the community.

Eatherly openly admitted to using racial slurs online, referring to it as "edgy, harmless humor" and framing it as a matter of free speech. He expressed that the backlash had escalated to death threats against him and his young son, which he found distressing. The funds raised were intended for living expenses, legal fees, and securing a new income source.

The campaign exceeded its initial goal of $100,000, ultimately raising $213,299.68, with the largest single donation being $3,000. Eatherly credited his viral presence on Instagram, where he gained over 23,000 followers, for boosting the campaign's visibility.

On May 14, 2026, the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office reported Eatherly's arrest following a shooting incident outside the Montgomery County Courthouse in Clarksville. He faces multiple charges, including attempted murder, aggravated assault, and reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon. This arrest coincided with a fundraiser that had already surpassed $200,000, adding a new layer of controversy to the unfolding narrative.

The online response has been mixed. Some supporters continue to donate and defend Eatherly, viewing the situation as a politically motivated attack against a vocal individual. Conversely, many have criticized both the fundraiser and Eatherly's controversial past. Streamers, political commentators, and creators from various platforms have engaged in the discussion, keeping the story alive beyond its initial audience. The criminal proceedings are still in their early phases, and Eatherly has yet to publicly comment in detail on the charges against him.