Savannah Guthrie pleads for mother’s return as Arizona kidnapping probe widens
U.S. television news host Savannah Guthrie said in a social media video that her family is willing to pay to secure the return of her mother, Nancy Guthrie, after authorities concluded the 84-year-old was kidnapped in Arizona.
- Advertisement -
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department said investigators have determined that Nancy Guthrie was taken against her will but have not identified any suspects or persons of interest. The FBI and the Sheriff’s Department said Friday they are examining a newly surfaced message in the case.
Flanked by her brother and sister in the Instagram video, Savannah Guthrie pleaded for their mother’s safe return. “This is the only way we will have peace,” said Guthrie, co-anchor of NBC’s “Today” since 2012.
Nancy Guthrie was last seen near Tucson on Jan. 31, when relatives dropped her off at her residence after dinner, according to authorities. Family members reported her missing around noon the following day.
Sheriff Chris Nanos has described Guthrie as frail with extremely limited mobility and said she could not have left her home unassisted.
On Thursday, the FBI offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to the recovery of Nancy Guthrie or to the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in her disappearance.
President Donald Trump on Friday suggested a resolution may be near, saying, “I think we could have some answers coming up fairly soon.” Authorities have not confirmed any imminent breakthrough and have released no further details about the lead they are assessing.
The case has gripped Tucson and drawn national attention as the search enters a second week. Investigators have not indicated whether there are any ransom demands or a motive, and they continue to urge caution about unverified information circulating online.
Savannah Guthrie, a prominent broadcast journalist, has largely kept public comments focused on her mother’s condition and the family’s plea for help. In the video message, she emphasized the family’s willingness to do whatever is necessary to bring Nancy Guthrie home safely.
Authorities reiterated that the investigation remains active and that any credible tips will be pursued. The Sheriff’s Department has said the combination of Guthrie’s age and medical vulnerability heightens urgency as they assess timelines, communications and potential witnesses near her residence.
As of Friday, no suspects had been named and no arrests announced. The FBI reward remains in effect.
By Abdiwahab Ahmed
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.
