QUAKERTOWN, Pa. (WPVI) — A tense borough council meeting on Wednesday night drew renewed demands for the firing of Quakertown Police Chief Scott McElree and for felony charges against five students involved in a February protest to be dismissed.
Residents and advocates filled the meeting room, urging borough leaders to take action nearly two weeks after a student walkout against ICE escalated into a violent confrontation between protesters and police.
Laura Foster, head of advocacy group Upper Bucks United, told council members, “The eyes of the country are watching you. Thousands of people havesigned the petition demanding that Scott be fired from all his positions within the borough.”
RELATED | Quakertown police chief on leave amid protest investigation
Quakertown police chief on leave amid protest investigation
As of Wednesday evening, there is alsonow a separate petition in support of McElree.
The Feb. 20 walkout was pre-planned by students, and although not officially endorsed by the school district, the high school administration had coordinated with student leaders to set boundaries and safety protocols. However, on the morning of the walkout, the district said the protest was cancelled due to “a threat of violence.” About 35 students left the school grounds to protest anyway.
SEE ALSO | Calls grow for Quakertown police chief’s resignation after protest confrontation
Quakertown police initially said some students engaged in “disruptive behavior” during the walkout, including hitting and kicking cars and blocking traffic. Students countered that some protesters were reacting to harassment from drivers in trucks.
The clash began when McElree, who was not in uniform, moved into a group of students to detain one for walking in the street. Some students then began assaulting him. Many later said they did not realize he was a police officer.
A widely circulated video showed McElree placing a girl in a headlock.
READ MORE | Student walkout in Quakertown ends in arrests after confrontation with police
The girl’s uncle, Joseph Rittenhouse of Quakertown, addressed the council, saying, “We’re national news. My niece’s bloody face is one of the first things people see now when they look up Quakertown. If you’re OK with it, I don’t think any of us are gonna be OK with you sitting up there,” he said.
Five students were arrested after the incident and later charged with felony aggravated assault. They remain on house arrest.
Critics argued that the charges send the wrong message.
“It tells them that defending themselves can ruin their lives. It tells the public that accountability stops when someone else has a title and a badge,” said Tony Tinuta, who works in Quakertown.
The borough solicitor confirmed that McElree – who also serves as borough manager – is currently on workers’ compensation leave.
An attorney for one of the charged students shared part of his client’s criminal complaint, which states McElree was treated at a hospital for facial and rib injuries after the confrontation.
Residents pressed for transparency as the investigation continues.
“Every day we don’t get answers, the pressure continues to build,” said Zachary Kohler of Quakertown. “Should the Bucks DA clear him of wrongdoing, this town, frankly the county, the state, and people across the country will be outraged.”
The Bucks County District Attorney’s Office is conducting an independent review of the police response. The borough council president reiterated that the council will not comment until that investigation is complete.
Copyright © 2026 WPVI-TV. All Rights Reserved.