US President Donald Trump has said he is willing to provide federal assistance in the search for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Today presenter Savannah Guthrie, after authorities confirmed she was abducted from her home in Tucson, Arizona.
Nancy Guthrie was reported missing on Sunday, February 1, after she failed to attend her usual church service. She was last seen at her home in the Catalina Foothills area on Saturday evening. What initially began as a missing person case has since escalated into a full crime investigation.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department has stated that investigators believe Nancy was taken from her home against her will, possibly during the night. Sheriff Chris Nanos said her age and health ruled out the possibility that she left voluntarily, noting that she was of sound mind but had limited mobility. “And so we know she couldn’t get far from that home unless she was removed from that home,” he said.
Speaking at a press conference at the Oval Office on Tuesday, President Trump described the situation as “a terrible thing” and said he would be willing to deploy federal agents to assist local authorities. “Very unusual situation, but we’re going to find out,” he told reporters when asked about the case.
Investigators have said that Nancy’s phone, wallet and car were all found inside her home, along with other circumstances they described as suspicious. Authorities have also raised concerns about her health, as she requires medication that, according to the sheriff, could be life-saving if taken regularly.
The case has taken another turn following reports of an alleged ransom note demanding a large payment in Bitcoin for Nancy’s release.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department has acknowledged awareness of reports circulating about possible ransom communications and said all tips and leads are being taken seriously and reviewed by detectives working with the FBI.
Savannah Guthrie has thanked the public for its support and said her family’s focus remains on her mother’s safe return.
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