Calls grow for Quakertown police chief's resignation after protest confrontation
QUAKERTOWN, Pa. (WPVI) -- Calls for the resignation of Quakertown Police Chief Scott McElree intensified on Monday night.
Residents, parents and students packed into Quakertown Borough Hall, saying they want clarity about what happened during a protest Friday that escalated into violence.
Police said students engaged in disruptive behavior, including kicking cars and damaging property. Three days later, the children involved in the incident remain detained.
During public comment, one speaker called for the immediate release of those juveniles.
READ MORE | Student walkout in Quakertown ends in arrests after confrontation with police
"Most importantly, we demand that the borough publicly advocate for the immediate release of all five children, some as young as 15 years old," the speaker said.
Outrage echoed throughout the meeting as residents criticized borough leadership and the police department.
"How can you fix the police force here? Something needs to change. He needs to be fired," one resident said.
Another added, "You guys are community leaders, please hold your other leaders accountable."
Several speakers directly called for McElree's resignation, describing what they said were excessive uses of force against students.
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"I am shaking because I cannot fathom seeing my child thrown to the ground, put in a choke hold," one parent said.
The confrontation followed a walkout by nearly 35 Quakertown Senior High School students protesting Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The school initially approved the walkout but canceled it earlier that morning, citing safety concerns.
Leah Foster, a student at Quakertown High School who attended the protest, described how she said the situation deteriorated rapidly.
"He put a freshman student in a headlock, and he attacked, I think, two other students, all within a three-minute span. So it went from a peaceful protest to crazy violence in seconds," Foster said.
The Bucks County District Attorney's Office has launched an independent investigation into the police response.
Parents addressing the council were emotional.
"Parents need confidence that the highest standards of restraint and de-escalation are being applied when minors are involved," said one parent.
Borough council members did not respond to the comments during the meeting.
They said both the council and the police department will not comment publicly until the investigation is complete.
A hearing for the detained children is scheduled for Tuesday morning.
The school district said in a letter that it is focused on creating a safe learning environment as students return to class this week.
