Community groups plan to demand Scott McElree's resignation during public comment as chief remains on leave following student protest confrontation
Tensions remain high in Quakertown ahead of Wednesday night’s borough council meeting, where community activists are again expected to demand the resignation or firing of Scott McElree following a confrontation between police and students during a Feb. 20 walkout tied to federal immigration enforcement protests.
McElree has been placed on leave and is currently out on workers’ compensation following the incident, according to recent reporting confirmed by the borough solicitor. Videos circulating online appear to show a confrontation between the chief and students near downtown during the off-campus protest by students from Quakertown Community High School.
The clash led to the arrest of five students, a group supporters have dubbed the “Quakertown Five,” and has sparked ongoing demonstrations, calls for accountability and growing scrutiny of both the police response and borough leadership. The Bucks County District Attorney's Office has also launched an independent investigation into the police response to the incident.
Community organizations including Upper Bucks United and Indivisible have been urging residents to attend Wednesday’s council meeting and speak during public comment.
“Round 2,” organizers wrote in online posts promoting the meeting. “Chief of Police Scott is still collecting money while out on workers’ comp and the Quakertown 5 are in ankle bracelets. You sick of this? Tell Quakertown Borough Council.”
Donations and petitions gain traction
Supporters of the arrested students have also launched fundraising and petition campaigns that have drawn significant participation from the community.
A GoFundMe campaign titled “Support QCHS Students Legal and Recovery Fund,” created Feb. 21, had raised $139,454 toward its $175,000 goal as of Wednesday, with more than 3,200 donations. Among the largest contributors were Ross Marino and Robert Hinkle, who each donated $5,000, along with several $1,000 contributions.
Meanwhile, a Change.org petition calling for McElree’s resignation had surpassed 12,000 signatures as of this week. The petition argues the chief’s actions during the confrontation eroded trust between law enforcement and the community and calls for leadership that reflects “integrity, fairness and justice.”
Council meeting expected to draw crowd
Public pressure has continued to grow in the weeks since the protest confrontation, which drew national attention and sparked demonstrations in Quakertown.
The Feb. 20 incident began after students walked out of school to protest Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity in the region. A confrontation later occurred downtown between police and students, resulting in arrests and widely circulated video footage.
With the chief on leave and the district attorney’s investigation ongoing, Wednesday’s council meeting is expected to draw a large turnout of residents, activists and students seeking answers about the borough’s response and the future of its police leadership.
Borough officials have not publicly indicated whether personnel actions or policy discussions regarding the police department will be addressed at the meeting.
