Ex-FBI Agent Criticizes Nancy Guthrie Case Holster Setup as ‘Amateur and Unsafe

Former FBI agents have raised concerns about a holster setup seen in surveillance footage linked to the Nancy Guthrie case in Tucson, Arizona. They criticized the combination of a semi-automatic handgun with a revolver-style polyester holster, labeling it as “extremely amateurish and dangerous.”

On Fox News’ “Hannity,” Harvey Levin, the founder of TMZ, discussed the findings after his team analyzed the recently released video. Levin noted that the suspect appeared to be carrying a semi-automatic pistol in a holster typically meant for revolvers.

“Usually, a polyester holster is designed for a revolver,” Levin explained to Sean Hannity during the show. “However, in this instance, it was a semi-automatic firearm.”

Although Levin does not claim to be a gun expert, he mentioned that firearm specialists informed him about the odd pairing. As part of their investigation, TMZ reached out to gun ranges in the Tucson area to see if anyone had noticed this unusual combination.

“We didn’t uncover any leads,” Levin mentioned, noting that both the FBI and the sheriff’s department are conducting similar investigations into the matter.

Photos released Feb. 10, 2025, show a “subject” carrying a gun on Nancy Guthrie’s property.  (FBI)

‘Incredibly amateur and unsafe,’ former FBI agent says

John Nantz, a former FBI agent, told Fox News Digital the holster appears ill-fitted and potentially unsafe.

“The holster clearly doesn’t fit the semi-automatic pistol,” Nantz said. “It’s incredibly amateur and unsafe. The gun could easily fall out of that holster. No one even minimally trained or experienced would carry a firearm in that fashion.”

Law enforcement experts suggest five key clues in the surveillance footage obtained from Nancy Guthrie’s home could reveal the identity of the individual seen approaching her Arizona home.  (FBI)

Nantz noted that trained professionals typically carry semi-automatic handguns in molded Kydex or leather holsters designed for specific gun models and equipped with retention systems that secure the weapon in place.

Retired FBI Supervisory Special Agent Jason Pack said Kydex holsters, a hard plastic style frequently used by police, are designed to “click” or lock into place, while leather holsters are often shaped to fit specific guns.

“I’ve never seen anybody carry a holster right there before like that,” Pack said, adding the holster appears inconsistent with the rigid, model-specific holsters commonly used by law enforcement.

Pack also noted that inexpensive nylon or polyester holsters are widely available at big-box retailers and regularly used by civilian gun owners.

Authorities have not publicly indicated whether the holster configuration is central to their investigation.

WATCH: 

Nancy Guthrie disappearance timeline:

Jan. 31, 2026

• Between 9:30–9:45 p.m. — Family drops Nancy off at home
• 9:50 p.m. — Garage door closes (per authorities)

Feb. 1, 2026

• 1:47 a.m. — Doorbell camera disconnects
• 2:12 a.m. — Security camera detects motion
• 2:28 a.m. — Pacemaker disconnects from phone application
• 11:56 a.m. — Family checks on Nancy after she misses weekly church livestream gathering
• 12:03 p.m. — 911 called
• 12:15 p.m. — Sheriff’s deputies arrive at home