DOJ Giving $1 Million in Federal Funds to Orlando First Responders: AG Lynch - NBC News

Police stand guard down the road from the Pulse nightclub on June 17, 2016 in Orlando, Florida. Omar Mir Seddique Mateen killed 49 people and wounded 53 others at the popular gay nightclub early Sunday. Spencer Platt / Getty Images

Despite his declarations, the FBI says it's found no evidence the attack was directed by a foreign terrorist organization. Mateen instead appears to have been radicalized on his own through jihadist propaganda on the internet, part of a population of Americans that law enforcement officials have repeatedly expressed concern about.

"There is no doubt that this was a shattering attack — on our nation, on our people and on our most fundamental ideals," Lynch said. "But the message of Orlando goes far beyond one night of unspeakable terror. The message of Orlando that I have seen today — and what the American people have seen in the wake of this horrific assault — is a message of determination to remove hatred and intolerance from our midst; to live our lives freely and without fear; and to stay true to the principles of liberty, justice and equality that define America at our best."

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The agency also has expressed support for a failed amendment sponsored by Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-California, that would have blocked people on a terrorist watch list banned from flying while under investigation from buying a gun. The measure would also have empowered the Lynch to block a gun purchase if there was "reasonable belief" the person could use the weapon for terrorism.