Sneako compares the backlash to Chad the Builder to the debate over Charlie Kirk following the shocking Tennessee arrest (Image via Getty)
Snake believes Dalton Etherly’s arrest could be a significant moment in the debate around free speech in the United States. On May 13, Chud the Builder was arrested following a shooting outside the Montgomery County Courthouse in Clarksville, Tennessee, and live streamers reacted strongly to the incident. Snake said on the live broadcast that the situation showed that “free speech is now being challenged” and believed that people were losing the rights promised by the constitution. He claims people are too quick to punish speech, even if it only involves words. Sneako also addressed how some people online have compared “Chad the Builder” to conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was killed last year.Sneko said:AdvertisementWhile Snake said he disagreed with many of Charlie Kirk’s views, he also said violence should never occur over political differences. He added:“Charlie Kirk was talking about gang violence. He was talking about problems within America. I didn’t agree with a lot of what he said. I used to laugh at him… but I didn’t think violence should happen to him.”
Montgomery County Courthouse shooting leads to Dalton Etherly charged with attempted murder
The shooting occurred Wednesday outside the Montgomery County Courthouse in Clarksville, Tennessee, according to CNN and a statement from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities said two people were shot during the incident, including Dalton Eatherly, better known online as “Chud the Builder.” The identity of the second person involved has not been released.Both were taken to nearby hospitals. By Wednesday evening, officials confirmed both men were in stable condition.After the shooting, authorities charged Etherly with attempted murder, use of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony, reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon and aggravated assault. Officials also confirmed he remains in custody pending arraignment.Before his arrest, Iserley spoke about the incident on livestream. He claimed he “had to defend himself” after an argument with another man. In the video, he describes how the man pointed at him and laughed before the relationship between them became tense.CNN also reported that Iserley had previously used racist language in his online videos, including calling black people “chimpanzees.” During a livestream after the shooting, another man allegedly warned Isely not to say “all the chimpanzee stuff” before the fight turned physical.The case has now sparked a wider debate online about free speech, online behavior and whether offensive speech should be compared to real-world violence. While Snake focused on constitutional rights in his response, online critics argued that repeated hateful language could also create dangerous situations.
