Orlando's nightclub massacre demonstrates the need to enable 911 emergency call centers to receive text messages, New York's senior senator said Sunday.
Moments before the start of New York City's Gay Pride Parade, Sen. Charles Schumer urged the Federal Communications Commission to allow residents to text 911 dispatchers during emergencies.
People trapped inside the Pulse nightclub in Orlando on June 12 were unable to text messages to 911 dispatchers. Speaking on the phone risked drawing the attention of the shooter.
"This service can provide invaluable help to those with disabilities or to those who are in situations where initiating a voice call may be too dangerous," the senator noted.
He is urging the FCC to meet with phone carriers and city officials as soon as possible to enable 911 testing.
