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Editor’s note: This article has been revised to provide clarity on the resources being utilized in the ongoing search.
In a significant development, President Donald Trump has announced that he has instructed “all federal law enforcement” to join the investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Savannah Guthrie, well-known as a host on the “Today” show.
President Trump emphasized the seriousness of the situation in a social media post, stating, “We are deploying all resources to get her mother home safely. The prayers of our Nation are with her and her family.”
Amidst the tense atmosphere, Savannah Guthrie made a public appeal on Wednesday, addressing those who might be holding her mother. She acknowledged rumors of a ransom letter but stressed the necessity of proof of life before any negotiations can proceed.
Speaking directly to the alleged kidnappers, Savannah implored, “We want to hear from you, and we are ready to listen. Please reach out to us.”
Guthrie, 84, was last seen around 9:45 p.m. Jan. 31 when family members dropped her off at her Tucson, Arizona, home after dinner. Authorities believe she was taken against her will, possibly in the middle of the night.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department and the FBI are investigating, and police are awaiting lab results from DNA samples collected at the scene. The sheriff has not confirmed whether those samples were blood, but NewsNation documented a blood trail leading to Guthrie’s front door.
With the search spanning much of the week, about 100 Tucson residents gathered at St. Philip’s in the Hills Episcopal Church, where they prayed and lit candles. A priest prayed that God would comfort Guthrie and bring her home to those she loves.
On the other side of the country, Victory Church in Albany, New York, said it’s offering a $25,000 reward for information leading to Guthrie’s location.
A separate reward of up to $2,500 has been offered for information leading to an arrest in Guthrie’s disappearance.
Savannah Guthrie to captors: ‘We need to know’ mother is alive
Multiple alleged ransom notes have been sent to media outlets, including TMZ and at least two Arizona television stations. Tucson station KGUN reported receiving a note demanding millions in bitcoin. Authorities are investigating whether the notes are authentic.
In Wednesday’s appeal, Savannah Guthrie, along with her two siblings, said, “As a family, we are doing everything that we can.
“We are ready to talk. However, we live in a world where voices and images are easily manipulated. We need to know without a doubt that she is alive and that you have her.”
Savannah Guthrie emphasized her mother’s fragile health, saying she has a weak heart and “lives in constant pain,” and that she’s now without the medication she needs to survive.
Speaking directly to her mother, she said, “We will not rest. Your children will not rest until we are together again. We speak to you every moment, and we pray without ceasing, and we rejoice in advance for the day that we hold you in our arms again.”
No suspect in Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance
Authorities handling the investigation announced on Wednesday they have not identified a suspect or person of interest in the case. Police discovered “suspicious circumstances” at the residence and have designated it a crime scene.
NewsNation discovered a blood trail Tuesday leading from the front door of Guthrie’s home. The blood was visible outside the front entrance after authorities cleared the crime scene and released the property to the family.
Search continues for mother of Savannah Guthrie
Presidential pressure may play into the new surge in law enforcement activity at Guthrie’s home, as criticism grows over why the scene did not remain secured since Guthrie’s disappearance.
On Wednesday, NewsNation’s Brian Entin reported that the search had continued near her Tucson home, where sheriff’s deputies had gathered in a nearby field to perform what appeared to be a grid search. Additionally, a helicopter was seen Tuesday evening flying low around the area, with law enforcement officials looking downward, searching for something, Entin said.
Around 2:30 p.m. local time, federal agents were seen entering the home of Nancy Guthrie’s daughter, Annie, approximately 10 miles from Nancy’s home. Entin noted that the ICAC lettering on their attire could signify the Internet Crimes Against Children task force, which could indicate an investigation into cellphones, computers and other technology.
NewsNation’s Brian Entin contributed to this story.