NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Dalton Eatherly, a 28-year-old man known for his provocative and often racist social media videos, has been charged with attempted murder after a shooting incident outside the Montgomery County Courthouse. The preliminary bond has been set at $1.25 million.
On Wednesday afternoon, Eatherly allegedly engaged in a verbal altercation with another man, resulting in him drawing his firearm and firing multiple shots, seriously injuring the other individual. The victim was airlifted to a Nashville hospital where he has undergone emergency surgery and is reportedly in stable condition.
The court affidavit revealed that several innocent bystanders witnessed the shooting and that Eatherly also shot himself in the arm during the incident, as corroborated by video and witness accounts.
At a hearing on Friday, prosecutors requested Eatherly remain in custody without bond, citing the serious nature of the shooting and the crowded environment during the altercation. However, Judge H. Reid Poland III set a significant bond while highlighting the potential risk to public safety.
In addition to attempted murder, Eatherly faces additional charges including using a firearm during a dangerous felony and reckless endangerment. Eatherly's recent history includes being released on bond for other criminal charges, including harassment and resisting arrest.
As discussions around Eatherly's videos and alleged racist behavior have intensified, his newly appointed attorney Jacob Fendley has condemned the racial accusations against him and underscored the professional obligations of criminal defense attorneys.
Eatherly now awaits a full bond hearing set for next week, as he remains in custody at the Montgomery County jail.
