ORLANDO, Fla. – The FBI's director said the agency is trying to determine whether the Orlando nightclub shooter had recently scouted Walt Disney World and other locations as potential targets.
Director James Comey made the comments at a Monday news conference about the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history. When asked whether Disney and other locations had been scouted, Comey said, "We're still working through that."
He said he wasn't in a position to comment further.
Several news outlets, citing federal law enforcement sources, reported Monday that the gunman, Omar Mateen, possibly scouted other targets in Central Florida, including Disney World.
Police said Mateen, 29, opened fire early Sunday at Pulse nightclub in Orlando, killing 49 people and injuring at least 53 more before he was shot and killed by police.
Investigators believe Mateen, who is from Fort Pierce, was in the Orlando area for several days before the shooting and might have considered other iconic targets in the area, a federal official told USA Today.
Omar Mateen and his wife, Noor Zahi Salman, visited Walt Disney World in April, a source told People.com. Salman told federal authorities on Sunday that her husband had more recently been "scouting Downtown Disney and Pulse [nightclub] for attacks," People reported.
Security and bag checks are not required before entry to Downtown Disney, which was recently renamed Disney Springs.
Disney's other parks, including the Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom and Epcot, have had metal detectors since 2015, and guests are randomly selected for screening.
RELATED: Will theme parks alter security in wake of massacre?
Many wondered Sunday if those security measures would be stepped up in the wake of the tragedy, which is the worst mass shooting in U.S. history.
The Orlando Sentinel reported Capt. Angelo Nieves of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office said deputies at Disney World were put on alert after the shooting. Disney contracts with the Sheriff’s Office to provide some security at its parks. Nieves told the Sentinel that deputies were being “extra cautious and vigilant in the park areas” on Sunday.
SeaWorld released a statement Sunday regarding security.
“The safety of our ambassadors, guests and animals has always been our top priority. Our security teams work closely with law enforcement, and we have enhanced security measures at all our parks ... we do not comment on the details of our security measures in order to maintain their effectiveness."
It’s unclear if other theme parks in Orlando had similar reactions regarding security.
On the other side of the country, law enforcement agencies in Southern California increased security at theme parks Sunday, according to a report from The Hollywood Reporter.
Authorities told the publication that more deputies would be in and around Universal Studios and Universal City on Sunday.
Anaheim police said the Disneyland always has a high police presence and would be closely watched following the tragedy in Orlando.
As the news unfolded Sunday, theme park workers across Central Florida began showing their love for those affected by the shooting.
Posted by Kevin O'Brien on Sunday, June 12, 2016
Posted by Kevin O'Brien on Sunday, June 12, 2016
Posted by Kevin O'Brien on Sunday, June 12, 2016
Hundreds of theme park employees, including characters such as Mickey Mouse, Winnie the Pooh, Chewbacca, SpongeBob, and many more took part in the crusade, holding their hands in heart shapes to display their love and support.
RELATED: Theme park employees share support with Orlando
Orlando’s major parks issued statements Sunday, expressing sadness over the attack.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with all of those touched by the unimaginable events that occurred in Orlando early this morning,” SeaWorld posted on its Facebook page. “As members of the Central Florida community, we must all come together during challenging times and we offer our collective strength and support to help as we heal from this tragedy.”
Walt Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger offered a similar sentiment.
“We are all heartbroken by the tragic and horrific events in Orlando, and offer our thoughts, prayers and support to everyone in our community affected by this senseless act.”
And Universal Parks & Resorts Chairman Tom Williams wrote:
“Our thoughts and prayers are with all of those affected by this morning’s tragedy. We stand ready to help our community in any way we can.”