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In this Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2013, file photo, George Zimmerman, acquitted in the high-profile killing of unarmed black teenager Trayvon Martin, listens in court, in Sanford, Fla., during his hearing on charges including aggravated assault stemming from a fight with his girlfriend. Prosecutors announced Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2013, that they will not file domestic violence charges against Zimmerman.

JOE BURBANK ASSOCIATED PRESS

WASHINGTON Attorney General Eric Holder announced Tuesday that no federal civil rights charges would be brought against George Zimmerman for the fatal shooting in February 2012 of Florida teenager Trayvon Martin.

In an anti-climactic but widely expected move, Holder said there was insufficient evidence to prosecute the 31-year-old Zimmerman for the shooting that shattered a family and ignited a national debate.

A comprehensive investigation found that the high standard for a federal hate crime prosecution cannot be met under the circumstances here, Holder said in a statement.

At the same time, following a meeting Tuesday in Miami between Justice Department officials and members of Martins family, Holder said Martins premature death necessitates that we continue the dialogue and be unafraid of confronting the issues and tensions his passing brought to the surface.

In a statement released through the office of attorney Benjamin L. Crump, Martin family members said they were disappointed in the findings but also thankful for the Justice Departments extensive and thorough investigation.

We remain poised to do everything in our power to help eradicate senseless violence in our communities, because we don't want any other parents to experience the unexplainable loss we have endured, the family said.

Holders long-awaited announcement came as hes clearing the decks for his designated successor, Loretta Lynch, the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of New York, whos awaiting Senate confirmation.

Before he leaves office, Holder is also likely to announce a decision on whether former Ferguson, Mo., police Officer Darren Wilson will face federal charges for the fatal shooting of unarmed teenager Michael Brown. As with Martins shooting, few legal experts expect that federal charges will be brought.

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Holder: No civil rights charges in Trayvon Martin shooting