Omar Mateen, the disturbed 29-year-old who laid siege to a gay nightclub and killed 49 people, may have visited the venue up to a dozen times. He may have also been spotted at the nearby Walt Disney World park, triggering concerns he was possibly planning an attack on the holiday park.

“Sometimes he would go over in the corner and sit and drink by himself, and other times he would get so drunk he was loud and belligerent,” Ty Smith, who also uses the name Aries, told the Orlando Sentinel.

Mourners embrace during a candle-lit vigil, in memory of the victims of the gay nightclub mass shooting in Orlando, at St Anne's Church in the Soho (Reuters)

Mr Smith said he did not speak that much with the divorced security guard.

“We didn't really talk to him a lot, but I remember him saying things about his dad at times,” he added. “He told us he had a wife and child.”

In pictures: The victims of the Orlando shooting Show all 44 1 /44 In pictures: The victims of the Orlando shooting In pictures: The victims of the Orlando shooting Frank Escalante This undated photo shows Frank Hernandez, one of the people killed in the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Fla., early Sunday, June 12, 2016. A gunman wielding an assault-type rifle and a handgun opened fire inside the nightclub, killing dozens in the worst mass shooting in modern U.S. history. (Facebook via AP) AP In pictures: The victims of the Orlando shooting Luis Daniel Conde This undated photo shows Luis Daniel Conde, one of the people killed in the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Fla., early Sunday, June 12, 2016. A gunman wielding an assault-type rifle and a handgun opened fire inside the nightclub, killing dozens in the worst mass shooting in modern U.S. history. (Facebook via AP) AP In pictures: The victims of the Orlando shooting Brenda Lee Marquez McCool In pictures: The victims of the Orlando shooting Yilmary Rodriguez Solivan CORRECTS FROM YILMARY RODRIGUEZ SULIVAN TO YILMARY RODRIGUEZ SOLIVAN- This undated photo shows Yilmary Rodriguez Solivan, one of the people killed in the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Fla., early Sunday, June 12, 2016. A gunman wielding an assault-type rifle and a handgun opened fire inside the nightclub, killing dozens in the worst mass shooting in modern U.S. history. (Facebook via AP) AP In pictures: The victims of the Orlando shooting Joel Rayon Paniagua This photo shows Joel Rayon Paniagua, one of the people killed in the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Fla., early Sunday, June 12, 2016. A gunman wielding an assault-type rifle and a handgun opened fire inside the nightclub, killing dozens in the worst mass shooting in modern U.S. history. (Facebook via AP) AP In pictures: The victims of the Orlando shooting Jerald Arthur Wright This undated photo shows Jerald Arthur Wright, one of the people killed in the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Fla., early Sunday, June 12, 2016. A gunman wielding an assault-type rifle and a handgun opened fire inside the nightclub, killing dozens in the worst mass shooting in modern U.S. history. (Facebook via AP) AP In pictures: The victims of the Orlando shooting Paul Terrell Henry This undated photo shows Paul Terrell Henry, one of the people killed in the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Fla., early Sunday, June 12, 2016. A gunman wielding an assault-type rifle and a handgun opened fire inside the nightclub, killing dozens in the worst mass shooting in modern U.S. history. (Facebook via AP) AP In pictures: The victims of the Orlando shooting Shane Evan Tomlinson This undated photo shows Shane Evan Tomlinson, one of the people killed in the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Fla., early Sunday, June 12, 2016. A gunman wielding an assault-type rifle and a handgun opened fire inside the nightclub, killing dozens in the worst mass shooting in modern U.S. history. (Facebook via AP) AP In pictures: The victims of the Orlando shooting Antonio Davon Brown This undated photo shows Antonio Davon Brown, one of the people killed in the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Fla., early Sunday, June 12, 2016. A gunman wielding an assault-type rifle and a handgun opened fire inside the nightclub, killing dozens in the worst mass shooting in modern U.S. history. (Facebook via AP) AP In pictures: The victims of the Orlando shooting Jason Benjamin Josaphat This undated photo shows Jason Benjamin Josaphat, one of the people killed in the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Fla., early Sunday, June 12, 2016. A gunman wielding an assault-type rifle and a handgun opened fire inside the nightclub, killing dozens in the worst mass shooting in modern U.S. history. (Facebook via AP) AP In pictures: The victims of the Orlando shooting Enrique L. Rios, Jr. This undated photo shows Enrique L. Rios, Jr., one of the people killed in the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Fla., early Sunday, June 12, 2016. A gunman wielding an assault-type rifle and a handgun opened fire inside the nightclub, killing dozens in the worst mass shooting in modern U.S. history. (Facebook via AP) AP In pictures: The victims of the Orlando shooting Darryl Roman Burt This undated photo shows Darryl Roman Burt II, one of the people killed in the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Fla., early Sunday, June 12, 2016. A gunman wielding an assault-type rifle and a handgun opened fire inside the nightclub, killing dozens in the worst mass shooting in modern U.S. history. (Facebook via AP) AP In pictures: The victims of the Orlando shooting Cory James Connell An undated photo from the Facebook account of Cory James Connell, who police identified as one of the victims of the shooting massacre that happened at the Pulse nightclub of Orlando, Florida, on June 12, 2016. Cory Connell via Facebook/Handout via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVE. REUTERS In pictures: The victims of the Orlando shooting Tevin Eugene Crosby This undated photo shows Tevin Eugene Crosby, one of the people killed in the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Fla., early Sunday, June 12, 2016. A gunman wielding an assault-type rifle and a handgun opened fire inside the nightclub, killing dozens in the worst mass shooting in modern U.S. history. (Facebook via AP) AP In pictures: The victims of the Orlando shooting Jonathan Antonio Camuy-Vega This undated photo shows Jonathan Antonio Camuy Vega, one of the people killed in the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Fla., early Sunday, June 12, 2016. A gunman wielding an assault-type rifle and a handgun opened fire inside the nightclub, killing dozens in the worst mass shooting in modern U.S. history. (Facebook via AP) AP In pictures: The victims of the Orlando shooting Rodolfo Ayala-Ayala This undated photo shows Rodolfo Ayala-Ayala, one of the people killed in the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Fla., early Sunday, June 12, 2016. A gunman wielding an assault-type rifle and a handgun opened fire inside the nightclub, killing dozens in the worst mass shooting in modern U.S. history. (Facebook via AP) AP In pictures: The victims of the Orlando shooting Leroy Valentin Fernandez This undated photo shows Leroy Valentin Fernandez, one of the people killed in the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Fla., early Sunday, June 12, 2016. A gunman wielding an assault-type rifle and a handgun opened fire inside the nightclub, killing dozens in the worst mass shooting in modern U.S. history. (Instagram via AP) AP In pictures: The victims of the Orlando shooting Christopher Andrew Leinonen This undated photo shows Christopher Andrew Leinonen, right, one of the people killed in the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Fla., early Sunday, June 12, 2016. A gunman wielding an assault-type rifle and a handgun opened fire inside the nightclub, killing dozens in the worst mass shooting in modern U.S. history. The man at left is unidentified. (Facebook via AP) AP In pictures: The victims of the Orlando shooting Angel L. Candelario-Padro This undated photo shows Angel L. Candelario-Padro, one of the people killed in the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Fla., early Sunday, June 12, 2016. A gunman wielding an assault-type rifle and a handgun opened fire inside the nightclub, killing dozens in the worst mass shooting in modern U.S. history. (Facebook via AP) AP In pictures: The victims of the Orlando shooting Simon Adrian Carrillo-Fernande This undated photo shows Simon Adrian Carrillo Fernandez, one of the people killed in the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Fla., early Sunday, June 12, 2016. A gunman wielding an assault-type rifle and a handgun opened fire inside the nightclub, killing dozens in the worst mass shooting in modern U.S. history. (Facebook via AP) AP In pictures: The victims of the Orlando shooting Christopher Joseph Sanfeliz An undated photo from the Facebook account of Christopher Joseph Sanfeliz, who police identified as one of the victims of the shooting massacre that happened at the Pulse nightclub of Orlando, Florida, on June 12, 2016. Christopher Joseph Sanfeliz via Facebook/Handout via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PRIVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVE. REUTERS In pictures: The victims of the Orlando shooting Javier Jorge-Reyes This undated photo shows Javier Jorge-Reyes, one of the people killed in the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Fla., early Sunday, June 12, 2016. A gunman wielding an assault-type rifle and a handgun opened fire inside the nightclub, killing dozens in the worst mass shooting in modern U.S. history. (Facebook via AP) AP In pictures: The victims of the Orlando shooting Gilberto Ramon Silva-Menendez This undated photo shows Gilberto Ramon Silva Menendez, one of the people killed in the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Fla., early Sunday, June 12, 2016. A gunman wielding an assault-type rifle and a handgun opened fire inside the nightclub, killing dozens in the worst mass shooting in modern U.S. history. (Facebook via AP) AP In pictures: The victims of the Orlando shooting Juan P. Rivera-Velazquez This undated photo shows Juan P. Rivera Velazquez, one of the people killed in the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Fla., early Sunday, June 12, 2016. A gunman wielding an assault-type rifle and a handgun opened fire inside the nightclub, killing dozens in the worst mass shooting in modern U.S. history. (Facebook via AP) AP In pictures: The victims of the Orlando shooting Miguel Angel Honorato This undated photo provided by Jose Honorato shows his brother Miguel Angel Honorato, center, one of the people killed in the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Fla., early Sunday, June 12, 2016. A gunman wielding an assault-type rifle and a handgun opened fire inside the nightclub, killing dozens in the worst mass shooting in modern U.S. history. (Courtesy of Jose Honorato via AP) AP In pictures: The victims of the Orlando shooting Jean Carlos Mendez Perez An undated photo from the Facebook account of Jean Carlos Mendez Perez, who police identified as one of the victims of the shooting massacre that happened at the Pulse nightclub of Orlando, Florida, on June 12, 2016. Jean Mendez via Facebook/Handout via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PRIVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVE. REUTERS In pictures: The victims of the Orlando shooting Mercedez Marisol Flores An undated photo from the Facebook account of Mercedez Marisol Flores, who police identified as one of the victims of the shooting massacre that happened at the Pulse nightclub of Orlando, Florida, on June 12, 2016. Mercedez Flores via Facebook/Handout via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PRIVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVE. REUTERS In pictures: The victims of the Orlando shooting Xavier Emmanuel Serrano Rosado An undated photo from the Facebook account of Xavier Emmanuel Serrano Rosado, who police identified as one of the victims of the shooting massacre that happened at the Pulse nightclub of Orlando, Florida, on June 12, 2016. Xavier E. Serrano via Facebook/Handout via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PRIVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVE. REUTERS In pictures: The victims of the Orlando shooting Anthony Luis Laureano Disla An undated photo from the Facebook account of Anthony Luis Laureano Disla, who police identified as one of the victims of the shooting massacre that happened at the Pulse nightclub of Orlando, Florida, on June 12, 2016. Anthony Laureano via Facebook/Handout via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PRIVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVE. REUTERS In pictures: The victims of the Orlando shooting Franky Jimmy De Jesus Velazquez An undated photo from the Facebook account of Franky Jimmy De Jesus Velazquez, who police identified as one of the victims of the shooting massacre that happened at the Pulse nightclub of Orlando, Florida, on June 12, 2016. Jimmy De Jesus via Facebook/Handout via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PRIVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVE. REUTERS In pictures: The victims of the Orlando shooting Oscar A. Aracena-Montero An undated photo from the Facebook account of Oscar A. Aracena-Montero, who police identified as one of the victims of the shooting massacre that happened at the Pulse nightclub of Orlando, Florida, on June 12, 2016. Oscar Aracena via Facebook/Handout via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PRIVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVE. REUTERS In pictures: The victims of the Orlando shooting Luis Daniel Wilson-Leon An undated photo from the Facebook account of Luis Daniel Wilson-Leon, who police identified as one of the victims of the shooting massacre that happened at the Pulse nightclub of Orlando, Florida, on June 12, 2016. Lestat Wilson via Facebook/Handout via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PRIVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVE. REUTERS In pictures: The victims of the Orlando shooting Martin Benitez Torres An undated photo from the Facebook account of Martin Benitez Torres, who police identified as one of the victims of the shooting massacre that happened at the Pulse nightclub of Orlando, Florida, on June 12, 2016. Martin Benitez via Facebook/Handout via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PRIVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVE. REUTERS In pictures: The victims of the Orlando shooting Stanley Almodovar Facebook/Stanley Manolo Almodovar III In pictures: The victims of the Orlando shooting Eddie Justice Faebook/ Eddie Justice In pictures: The victims of the Orlando shooting Luis Vielma Twitter/@jk_rowling In pictures: The victims of the Orlando shooting Eric Ivan Ortiz-Rivera Facebook/ Eric Rivera In pictures: The victims of the Orlando shooting Juan Ramon Guerrero Facebook/ Juan Ramon Guerrero In pictures: The victims of the Orlando shooting Peter O. Gonzalez-Cruz Facebook/ Peter Gonzalez Cruz In pictures: The victims of the Orlando shooting Amanda Alvear Facebook/ Amanda Alvear In pictures: The victims of the Orlando shooting Anthony Disla Facebook/ Anthony Disla In pictures: The victims of the Orlando shooting Edward Sotomayor Twitter/@ryanraiche In pictures: The victims of the Orlando shooting Luis Omar Ocasio-Capo Facebook/Luis Omar Ocasio-Capo In pictures: The victims of the Orlando shooting Kimberley Morris Twitter/ ‏@katiezavadski

It was also reported that Mateen, who lived in Fort Pierce, a two-hour drive from Orlando, had also seen at the Walt Disney World in April.

FBI Director James Comey said his agency was trying to nail down the veracity or otherwise of that report and the possibility that Mateen was scouting the amusement park as a potential target, the Associated Press said. “We're still working through that,” he said.

Those who knew Orlando gunman

Mateen had been investigated over the period of ten months between 2013 and 2014 by law enforcement officials for possible links to Islamic extremists and yet the inquiries had proved inconclusive. As a result, the former state prison employee had no problem in buying two guns that he used with such lethal power in the early hours on Sunday morning when the club was packed with up to 300 people.

During the standoff, Mateen proclaimed his allegiance to Isis and his support for the Muslim brothers who set off two bombs at the 2013 Boston Marathon, police said.

He bought the weapons he used - a 9mm semiautomatic pistol and .223-calibre assault rifle - at St. Lucie Shooting Centre a few days before the massacre. Owner Edward Henson on Monday said he “vaguely” remembered him.

“He’s a nobody,” Mr Henson told the Sentinel. “He’s a customer. He came and purchased his guns, and he left.”

In 2006 Mateen worked at a state prison, the Martin Correctional Institution in Indiantown, for six months, according to Florida Department of Corrections. That same year, he earned a degree in criminal justice from Indian River Community College.