No Charges for Quakertown Police Chief, but Use of Force Under Scrutiny in DA's Report: "a Calamitous Decision"
A county review said Chief Scott McElree’s force was lawful but ill-advised and urged reforms after the clash injured seven people.
- On Monday, the Bucks County District Attorney's Office released a report clearing Quakertown Police Chief Scott McElree of criminal charges in the February 20 anti-ICE protest, though it sharply criticized his "calamitous" decision to engage demonstrators in plain clothes.
- About 40 students from Quakertown Community High School marched on February 20 to protest ICE actions, and the demonstration escalated into violence near Sunday's Deli, leaving four students and three police officers injured.
- Investigators concluded that McElree's decision to enter the crowd without a uniform or badge created a "fog of war," while the Quakertown Police Department remains the only Bucks County agency that has not adopted countywide use-of-force standards.
- District Attorney Joe Khan denied the Quakertown Police Department's request to charge additional juveniles, while the five students arrested have reached diversionary program deals to eventually have their records expunged.
- Khan plans to engage in conversations with the Quakertown community over the next 45 days and release recommendations for healing, while the report urges McElree to provide a timeline for implementing standardized use-of-force reforms.
15 Articles
15 Articles
New details revealed in Bucks County DA Quakertown protest report
The Bucks County District Attorney’s Office’s much anticipated report into Quakertown police response during a student-led ICE protest included new details uncovered during the six-month investigation. DA Joe Khan announced Aug. 3 that his office will not prosecute any police officers or additional student protesters for their actions during the demonstration that turned violent in the borough’s downtown business district on Feb. 20. The investi…
Quakertown police chief criticized, but not charged, over handling of student protest
While Quakertown Police Chief Scott McElree "made terrible mistakes" in his handling of a Feb. 20 anti-ICE protest involving Quakertown Community High School students, investigators have concluded nothing he did warrants charges.
DA announces no additional charges will be filed in Quakertown protest
QUAKERTOWN, PA. (WPHL) -- The Bucks County District Attorney's Office has announced that no additional charges will be filed in connection with a student-led anti-ICE protest that took place in Quakertown in February of 2026. Community members, including parents and supporters, gathered outside Sunday's Deli following the announcement, saying they will continue advocating for the [...]
The Lawton Constitution
Investigative report criticizes Quakertown police chief for role in anti-ICE clash with student protesters
An investigative review ordered by the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office recommended no new criminal charges for high school students or police involved in a clash during a February anti-ICE demonstration in Quakertown, but the report sharply criticized the borough’s…
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