Some of the victims of the San Bernardino terror attack are to back the FBI in its fight against Apple to unlock the phone of one of the killers.
The government wants to force Apple to help unlock the encrypted iPhone belonging to one of two shooters, which the company opposes.
Stephen Larson, who is a former federal judge, said the survivors and the families of those killed have a right to the information.
"They were targeted by terrorists, and they need to know why, how this could happen," he said.
Fourteen people died and 22 others were wounded in the shooting attack by married couple Tashfeen Malik and Syed Farook.
The killers were inspired by Islamic State militants and died in a gun battle with police.
Mr Larson did not say how many of the victims he represented.
The backing of victims will give a boost to the federal government as it fights a PR war with Apple ahead of a courtroom showdown.
Apple has opposed any move to circumvent the security of its devices by saying it wants to protect the public from government overreach.
In a letter to customers last week, Apple boss Tim Cook said: "We mourn the loss of life and want justice for all those whose lives were affected" and said it has "worked hard to support the government’s efforts to solve this horrible crime".
FBI director James Comey released a letter on Sunday night insisting that the agency's request was not about setting legal precedent, but instead to seek justice and foil any other threats.
He wrote: "Fourteen people were slaughtered and many more had their lives and bodies ruined. We owe them a thorough and professional investigation under law. That's what this is."
Last week a court in California won an order against Apple. The company will file its first legal arguments on Friday.
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