2 kids removed from "unsafe and uninhabitable" home in Northeast Philly: FBI, PPD
FBI, police remove kids, animals from Philly home
The FBI, with assistance from the Philadelphia Police Department, conducted a court-authorized operation on Whitaker Avenue, removing two children and multiple animals from an unsafe residence.
PHILADELPHIA - The FBI is leading a court-authorized law enforcement operation on the 7100 block of Whitaker Avenue, with support from the Philadelphia Police Department, according to the Philadelphia Police Department.
FBI operation underway on Whitaker Avenue
What we know:
The Philadelphia Police Department assisted the FBI in removing two young children from a residence described as unsafe and uninhabitable, according to the Philadelphia Police Department.
The children were transported to a local hospital for medical evaluation, and the Special Victims Unit has launched an investigation into their welfare, according to the Philadelphia Police Department.
Officials say more than a dozen cats and dogs, along with at least one dead animal, were also removed from the property.
City licensing and inspections crews, including the Quality of Life division, were at the scene and prepared to board up the house.
The FBI continues to lead the investigation, which remains active and ongoing, according to the Philadelphia Police Department.
What they're saying:
Neighbors told FOX 29 the block is usually quiet and said they were shocked by the conditions inside the home.
"It's a shame, such a shame, something like that happened anywhere," said Herb Michi, a neighbor. A spokesperson for the FBI confirmed the search was "court authorized law enforcement activity."
"I don't think what they did was right, it's disgusting and I'm struggling to put into words how awful that is," said Jacob Holmquist, a neighbor. Another neighbor, Michi, said, "I hate that, I hate when people are vicious to animals." Neighbors said they could see what appeared to be a mound of dirt in the entryway of the home.
What we don't know:
The FBI has not released information about what led to the search warrant or who was named in it.
Details about the ongoing investigation and the current condition of the children have not been released.
The Source: Information from the Philadelphia Police Department, FBI and on-scene interviews.