FBI launches News Corp. phone hacking investigation, AP source says

Those who wanted to see News Corp. prosecuted in the United States may get their wish.

According to the AP, the FBI has launched an investigation into allegations that the Rupert Murdoch-led company hacked into the phones of 9/11 victims.

The AP cites a law enforcement official who "spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly."

Earlier in the week, several members of Congress called on the FBI for an investigation into News Corp.'s alleged hacking of 9/11 attack victims.

Meanwhile, News Corp. is facing a crisis on both sides of the Atlantic.

Earlier on Thursday, Murdoch and his son James agreed to appear in front of a select Parliamentary committee in London next week to face questions related to the phone hacking case.

The company hired a specialty public relations firm, Edelman, to handle PR in the U.K.

The Cutline's complete Hackgate coverage:

• Slideshow: The many smiles of Rupert Murdoch
• What does the phone hacking scandal mean for News Corp. in U.S.?
• Murdochs agree to testify in phone hacking case
• Murdochs dodge British Parliament request to appear in phone hacking case
• Hackgate update: Parliament declares 'victory' but News Corp. stock rebounds
• Calls for U.S. to investigate, prosecute News Corp. grow louder
• Rupert, James Murdoch, Rebekah Brooks asked to appear before British lawmakers
• Phone-hack saga spiraling out of control: 9/11 dead, ex-British P.M. among latest alleged victims
• News glut for News of the World saga
• News Corp. to shutter News of the World in wake of phone hacking scandal
• Pressure mounts on Murdoch over phone hacking: Advertisers flee News of the World; government launches inquiry; more allegations surface
• Billy Bragg's anti-serenade to News Corp.