Longtime NBC News host Savannah Guthrie, alongside her sister, Annie and brother, Camron, issued a gut-wrenching video statement in which she pleaded for the safe return of her mother, Nancy, who been missing for four days. The siblings pleaded with the suspected kidnapper(s) and asked for proof of life, seemingly confirming the existence of a ransom note.
The statement, which was uploaded to the NBC anchor’s Instagram page with the caption “Bring her home.”
Savannah, seated in the middle of her two siblings, began by thanking supporters and well-wishers for their thoughts and prayers. “On behalf of our family we want to thank all of you for the prayers for our beloved mom, Nancy. We feel them and we continue to believe that she feels them too,” Guthrie said.
She then described her mother’s personal life and character. “Our mom is a kind, faithful, loyal fiercely loving woman of goodness and light. She is funny, spunky and clever. She has grandchildren who adore her and crowd around her and cover her with kisses. She loves fun and adventure. She is a devoted friend. she is full of kindness and knowledge, talk to her and you’ll see.”
Savannah then appeared to address the existence of a ransom note, which was delivered to TMZ and an Arizona-based news outlet. The note demanded cryptocurrency payments and threatened harm if demands were not met.
Investigators have confirmed that the note was turned over to the FBI and is being investigated seriously, though they have not explicitly confirmed its validity.
“We too have heard the reports about a ransom letter in the media. As a family, we are doing everything that we can. We are ready to talk,” Savannah said in the video statement. She then requested proof of life. “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. We need proof of life,” she said.
Annie Guthrie, seated to Savannah’s right, then spoke directly to her mother. “Mama, mama, if you’re listening, we need you to come home. We miss you. We love you. Stay strong,” she said, at which point Savannah added, “We love you mom.”
Nancy Guthrie, 84, was last seen at her one-story home in a secluded neighborhood in Tucson, Arizona on the evening of Saturday, January 31. She had been dropped off by family members around 9:30 p.m. local time.
Authorities from the Pima County Sheriff’s Department believe Nancy was taken against her will, citing signs of forced entry at the home. Blood was discovered inside the residence, though details on its origin or location have not been disclosed.
DNA samples were collected, but no suspects have been identified from the results as of this report. State and federal investigators returned to the property after previously leaving and were seen taking several items from the home on Wednesday evening. A search was also launched of a wooded area near the home, though investigators did not provide additional details.
Nancy Guthrie requires medication for a heart condition and has limited mobility, which makes her timely return vital.
Following the release of the Guthrie family’s video statement, President Donald Trump confirmed that he had spoken with Savannah and pledged that all available federal resources will be utilized. “I spoke with Savannah Guthrie, and let her know that I am directing ALL Federal Law Enforcement to be at the family’s, and Local Law Enforcement’s, complete disposal, IMMEDIATELY. We are deploying all resources to get her mother home safely,” the president posted on Truth Social.
“The prayers of our Nation are with her and her family. GOD BLESS AND PROTECT NANCY!”
