National Alert: The Urgent Search for Nancy Guthrie and the Investigation Into Her Abduction
The nation has rallied in prayer and support for Today show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie following the chilling disappearance of her 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie. What began as a missing person report on Sunday, February 1, has evolved into a high-stakes federal kidnapping investigation that has captivated the American public.
The Timeline of Disappearance
Nancy Guthrie was last seen at her home in the Catalina Foothills area of Tucson, Arizona, around 9:30 PM on Saturday night. The alarm was raised on Sunday morning when a member of her church notified the family that she had missed the morning service—an extremely rare occurrence for a woman known for her deep religious conviction.
The Crime Scene: Evidence of Struggle
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has been transparent about the “darker turn” the investigation has taken. On February 3, the Guthrie residence was officially declared a crime scene. According to law enforcement sources:
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Signs of Forced Entry: Investigators found physical evidence that the home was breached by one or more individuals.
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Forensic Clues: Small amounts of blood were discovered inside the home and are currently undergoing DNA testing.
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Limited Mobility: Sheriff Nanos emphasized that Nancy, who has limited mobility but no cognitive issues, “did not leave on her own.”
The Ransom Note and FBI Involvement
In a terrifying digital-age twist, a local Arizona news station (KOLD-TV) received an email containing what appears to be a ransom note. The note, which has been taken “very seriously” by the FBI, reportedly demands a multi-million dollar payment in Bitcoin.
The FBI has since deployed additional personnel to Tucson, utilizing advanced cell tower triangulation and drone surveillance to comb the rugged desert terrain. President Trump even placed a personal phone call to Savannah Guthrie on Wednesday to offer federal resources and his condolences during the search.
A Race Against Time
There is a profound sense of urgency because Nancy Guthrie requires daily life-sustaining medication, which was left behind in her home. As of February 5, 2026, no official suspects or persons of interest have been named, though detectives are speaking with everyone who had contact with her in the 48 hours leading up to her disappearance.
How the Public Can Help
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department has urged the public to avoid spreading “unverified accusations” on social media, which can hamper the investigation. Savannah Guthrie herself took to Instagram, asking the world to “lift your prayers with ours” for the safe return of a woman she described as a “good and faithful servant.”
