(Credit: Quakertown Borough K-9 Unit)
Borough says Chief Scott McElree suffered fractured ribs, concussion during confrontation with student protesters
Quakertown Borough officials have released their most detailed public account yet of the violent confrontation during a February student-led anti-ICE protest that left Police Chief Scott McElree seriously injured and sparked months of controversy across the community.
According to a statement summarized by Fox29, borough officials said police first became aware on Feb. 10 of a planned protest involving Quakertown Community High School students, with both pro- and anti-ICE groups expected to participate.
Although school officials canceled the demonstration the night before after receiving a tip regarding a possible gun threat, borough officials said roughly 40 students still walked out of school Feb. 20, while others allegedly followed the group in vehicles and harassed demonstrators, per the report.
The borough said officers, many dressed in plainclothes to avoid escalating tensions, monitored the protest as it moved into downtown Quakertown.
Officials alleged some protesters blocked streets, interfered with traffic and damaged vehicles despite repeated warnings from police to remain on sidewalks and out of roadways, according to Fox29. According to the statement, officers later attempted to arrest what they described as the “main instigator” of the protest near Sunday’s Deli & Restaurant, leading to the physical confrontation that has since circulated widely online.
Officials claimed McElree was repeatedly punched in the head and body during the struggle, including being struck with a cellphone used “as an impact weapon” and hit by a backpack swung by another protester.
The borough said McElree suffered three fractured ribs, a collapsed lung, hearing loss and a serious concussion. Borough leaders stated protesters continued assaulting the chief after he fell to the ground.
According to Fox29, officials also defended police actions, saying officers regained control without using tasers, pepper spray or impact weapons, and noted no disciplinary action is currently planned against McElree or other officers.
Meanwhile, the Bucks County District Attorney’s investigation into the incident remains ongoing.
For more details, read the full report fro
