A Texas appeals court has reversed a gag order in a criminal case arising from a shootout at a biker gathering in Waco that left nine dead and 18 injured.

The 10th court of appeals said Friday the court that issued the order "abused its discretion" in the case of Matthew Clendennen, the only arrested biker who has filed a lawsuit against local authorities alleging that he was arrested without probable cause.

The order prevented those involved in Clendennen's criminal case from discussing it with the media.

The gag order was written by Attorney General Abel Reyna and issued by his former law partner, District Judge Matt Johnson.

The appeals court gave Johnson seven days to vacate the order, after which the court would vacate it.