NY Senator Schumer Says Wireless Emergency Alerts Must Include Photos

NEW YORK (AP) — Sen. Charles Schumer says wireless emergency alerts should include photos — that includes the one sent to millions of New Yorkers last week about a bombing suspect.

The New York Democrat wants the Federal Communications Commission to upgrade the nation's Wireless Emergency Alert system. He says it uses outdated infrastructure and messages lack critical information.

The current system is only capable of sending 90-character messages. It can't transmit photos or video.

The FCC is considering a rule that would expand the message length and allow links to be embedded within them.

An alert was sent to millions of cellphones last Monday asking for the public's help finding Ahmad Khan Rahami. The 28-year-old was arrested later in the day. He's accused of planting explosives in New York City and New Jersey.

[STORY BY: THE ASSOCIATED PRESS]