Authorities and the White House are urging the public to provide any information that could help solve the high-profile disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, mother of “Today” show anchor Savannah Guthrie, as newly released images show a masked individual near her Arizona home.
The FBI on Tuesday released a series of photos and video footage depicting a person outside Guthrie’s Catalina Foothills residence, allegedly tampering with the front door camera. The individual is seen wearing gloves, a backpack, and a mask, and at one point appears to reach for an off-camera object, possibly a rope. FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that the person appeared armed, with a holster visible in the front waist area of their clothing.
“The video was recovered from residual data located in backend systems,” Patel said in a post on X. “Working with our partners, law enforcement uncovered previously inaccessible images showing an armed individual appearing to have tampered with the camera at Nancy Guthrie’s front door the morning of her disappearance.”
In response to the footage, the White House issued a public plea for assistance. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that President Donald Trump has personally reviewed the newly released footage and described his reaction as one of “pure disgust,” calling the situation “heartbreaking to see.”
“The president encourages any American across the country with any knowledge of the suspect to please call the FBI to continue to assist state and local authorities who are leading this investigation on the ground,” Leavitt said.
Savannah Guthrie also made a public appeal via Instagram, urging the public to contact law enforcement. “Someone out there recognizes this person. We believe she is still out there. Bring her home,” Guthrie wrote. Her post quickly received thousands of comments from followers offering support and tips.
Background of the Case
Nancy Guthrie, 84, was last seen at her home near Tucson, Arizona, on Jan. 31 and was reported missing the following day after she failed to attend church. Authorities believe she was taken against her will. Nancy Guthrie requires daily medication, has high blood pressure, mobility issues, heart problems, and uses a pacemaker, raising concerns about her immediate safety.
Evidence at the scene has confirmed her presence at the home during the incident. DNA tests verified that blood found on her front porch belonged to Nancy Guthrie, heightening the urgency of the investigation.
In addition to physical evidence, authorities have reported that a ransom note was involved, though it reportedly did not specify consequences if the stated deadlines were not met. The note included deadlines of Feb. 5 and a subsequent Monday, prompting law enforcement to treat the matter with heightened seriousness.
The FBI has announced a $50,000 reward for information leading to Guthrie’s recovery or to the arrest and conviction of a suspect.
Public Reactions and Speculation
The release of the images sparked intense public speculation about the suspect’s identity. While law enforcement has not identified any suspects, some online observers have focused on perceived gender characteristics. Several social media users have commented on the eyes of the masked figure, suggesting that the person may be female, while others argued that the individual’s gait or build appears more consistent with a male. One comment even speculated that the suspect might have a mustache.
Investigators caution that no definitive identification can be made based solely on the footage, emphasizing that public tips may be critical in locating Nancy Guthrie and resolving the case.
Law Enforcement Coordination
Local and federal authorities continue to collaborate on the investigation. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department has confirmed that no further press briefings will occur until significant developments arise, reflecting the sensitive nature of the case.
According to Director Patel, the investigation involved recovering video data that had been inaccessible due to technical issues, including the removal or corruption of recording devices. This breakthrough has provided law enforcement with the first substantive visual evidence of a possible suspect.
The FBI and local law enforcement have urged anyone with information about the suspect to contact 1-800-CALL-FBI or submit tips via the agency’s website at tips.fbi.gov.
National Attention
The case has drawn national attention, in part because of Savannah Guthrie’s prominence as a news anchor and her public calls for assistance. Media coverage and social media engagement have amplified the urgency of the situation, prompting responses from both political and public figures.
In addition to the White House response, multiple news outlets and civic organizations have highlighted the case, encouraging the public to remain vigilant and report any relevant observations.
President Trump’s Involvement
Trump’s review of the footage represents a rare instance in which the sitting president has publicly acknowledged involvement in a high-profile missing persons case. According to Leavitt, Trump’s reaction underscores the administration’s concern for the welfare of Nancy Guthrie and his support for the FBI’s ongoing efforts.
The White House has also echoed Savannah Guthrie’s message that the elderly woman is believed to be alive and that immediate action is required to ensure her safe return.
Importance of Timely Public Assistance
Authorities emphasize that time is of the essence. Nancy Guthrie’s health conditions, including her need for daily medication and her heart-related medical issues, make it critical that law enforcement locate her as quickly as possible. Public tips, combined with forensic evidence, could prove pivotal in identifying the suspect and bringing her home safely.
The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities actively analyzing surveillance footage, physical evidence, and any public leads. The release of new images is seen as a potential turning point, providing critical visual information that could lead to breakthroughs in the case.
Summary
The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie has prompted nationwide concern, with federal and local authorities working closely alongside the Guthrie family to locate her. The FBI has released images showing a masked and potentially armed individual outside her home, while both Savannah Guthrie and the White House have made public pleas for assistance. President Trump has reviewed the footage and called the situation “heartbreaking,” further emphasizing the gravity of the case.
With a reward offered for actionable information and law enforcement urging vigilance, officials are hoping that public engagement will lead to the rapid identification of the suspect and the safe recovery of Nancy Guthrie, bringing an end to a case that has captured national attention.
Emily Johnson is a critically acclaimed essayist and novelist known for her thought-provoking works centered on feminism, women’s rights, and modern relationships. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Emily grew up with a deep love of books, often spending her afternoons at her local library. She went on to study literature and gender studies at UCLA, where she became deeply involved in activism and began publishing essays in campus journals. Her debut essay collection, Voices Unbound, struck a chord with readers nationwide for its fearless exploration of gender dynamics, identity, and the challenges faced by women in contemporary society. Emily later transitioned into fiction, writing novels that balance compelling storytelling with social commentary. Her protagonists are often strong, multidimensional women navigating love, ambition, and the struggles of everyday life, making her a favorite among readers who crave authentic, relatable narratives. Critics praise her ability to merge personal intimacy with universal themes. Off the page, Emily is an advocate for women in publishing, leading workshops that encourage young female writers to embrace their voices. She lives in Seattle with her partner and two rescue cats, where she continues to write, teach, and inspire a new generation of storytellers.
