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Justice Dept. Wants Pulse 911 Case Kept in Federal Court

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ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) - The U.S. Department of Justice is appealing a ruling that sent back to state court the fight over whether 911 calls from the Pulse nightclub massacre in June can be released.

The Justice Department said Friday it was appealing U.S. District Judge Paul Byron's ruling last week that the federal court lacks jurisdiction over claims in the case.

Two dozen media groups, including The Associated Press, sued the city of Orlando for their release, saying they will help the public evaluate the police response.

The city claims the recordings are exempt under Florida's public records law, and that the FBI insists releasing them may disrupt the investigation

In June, gunman Omar Mateen killed 49 people and left hospitalized 53 others during the worst mass shooting in modern U.S. history.

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