WASHINGTON — A schism is emerging among family members of victims and survivors of the December's shootings in San Bernardino, California, with at least one couple supporting Apple in its battle against a federal court order to help the FBI hack into a shooter's locked iPhone.

Salihin Kondoker, whose wife, Anies, was shot three times during the Dec. 2 attack but survived, sent U.S. Magistrate Judge Sheri Pym a two-page letter Monday expressing support for Apple's position in the case that has pitted digital privacy rights against national security concerns.

Kondoker said he was writing to the court because he believes "privacy is important and Apple should stay firm in their decision."

Apple asked Pym in a filing last week to vacate her order requiring it to assist investigators by creating specialized software that would let the FBI bypass security protocols to test random passcode combinations in rapid sequence. The filing accused the federal government of seeking "dangerous power" through the courts and of trampling on the company's constitutional rights.

Kondoker called for stronger gun laws, saying "it was guns that killed innocent people, not technology." He said he believed the FBI had access to information it has ignored, writing, "I'm very disappointed in the way they've handled this investigation."

A spokesman for the FBI declined to comment. A spokeswoman for the Justice Department did not immediately provide comment. Apple said in a statement it "has the deepest sympathies for the victims and their families."

The letter, which Kondoker requested be included as part of the court file, gives support to Apple's case one day before a congressional hearing that will include testimony from FBI Director James Comey and Apple General Counsel Bruce Sewell.