President Trump Mobilizes Federal Law Enforcement as Guthrie Family Pleads for Mother’s Return

Updated 2026-02-05 04:51:46+00:00 (5 articles)

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Savannah Guthrie and her siblings directly address an alleged kidnapper in a video posted to Instagram February, 4, 2026. Source Full size
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Savannah Guthrie with her mother, Nancy, on the set of Today (NBC via Getty Images) Source Full size
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Savannah Guthrie with her mother, Nancy, on the set of Today (NBC via Getty Images) Source Full size
Image: Newsweek

Savannah Guthrie and her siblings directly address an alleged kidnapper in a video posted to Instagram February, 4, 2026. Source Full size
Image: AP

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Nancy Guthrie’s Saturday Night Disappearance in Tucson Nancy Guthrie, 84, was last seen around 9:30 p.m. Saturday, February 3, 2026, when family dropped her off at her Catalina Foothills residence; she failed to appear at Sunday church, prompting a missing‑person report the next day, and investigators noted forced‑entry damage, her limited mobility, high blood pressure, a pacemaker, and heart issues [1][2][5].

Savannah Guthrie and Siblings Appeal Public for Proof Savannah Guthrie posted a four‑minute Instagram video on Wednesday, February 5, alongside siblings Annie and Cameron, stating the family is ready to negotiate with any kidnapper but needs undeniable proof of life, and she subsequently withdrew from NBC’s Winter Olympics opening‑ceremony coverage, with Mary Carillo slated to replace her [1][2][3][4].

Pima County Sheriff and FBI Launch Kidnapping Investigation Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos classified the case as a kidnapping and deployed an all‑hands‑on‑deck response that includes K‑9 units, drones, helicopters, and FBI agents; multiple media outlets reported receipt of ransom notes demanding cryptocurrency, though officials have not verified their authenticity and no suspect has been identified [2][3][4][1].

President Trump Directs Federal Law Enforcement Assistance President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that he is directing all federal law‑enforcement agencies to assist the investigation, a statement echoed by the FBI’s Jon Edwards who said every lead is being pursued, and Trump later pledged additional federal resources during a White House event [1][2][3][5].

Community Vigils and Forensic Efforts Intensify Search Neighbors and churches organized candlelight vigils at St. Philip’s in the Hills Episcopal Church and Victory Church, raising a $25,000 reward and a separate $2,500 bounty, while investigators collected blood, DNA, and pacemaker telemetry, continuing forensic analysis and maintaining tip lines through 88‑CRIME and P3TIPS [3][1][5].

Sources

Timeline

Feb 1, 2026 – Nancy Guthrie, 84, vanishes from her Catalina Foothills home around 9:30 p.m. after family drops her off; neighbors notice she fails to appear at Sunday church, prompting a missing‑person investigation [1][2][3][4][5].

Feb 2, 2026 – Church members confirm her absence at the 11:00 a.m. service, and the Pima County Sheriff’s Office classifies the case as a likely kidnapping, beginning forensic collection of blood, DNA, fingerprints and pacemaker data while issuing a public call for tips [2][3].

Feb 2, 2026 – President Donald Trump, speaking at a White House event, pledges to call Savannah Guthrie and commit additional federal agents, calling the case “terrible” and “very unusual,” and later posts on Truth Social that “ALL Federal Law Enforcement” will assist [2][1].

Feb 2, 2026 – Savannah Guthrie steps back from NBC’s Winter Olympics opening‑ceremony coverage and cancels her on‑air appearance to focus on the search, with NBC issuing a statement of support for the family [2][1].

Feb 4, 2026 – Multiple media outlets receive alleged ransom notes demanding cryptocurrency; the sheriff’s department acknowledges the tips, says it is reviewing the notes with the FBI, and urges the public to provide any proof‑of‑life information [2][4][5].

Feb 4, 2026 – Sheriff Chris Nanos announces that homicide detectives have been called—a departure from standard missing‑person protocol—and that every tip will be followed up, while FBI assistant special agent Jon Edwards confirms federal agents are assisting the investigation [2][3].

Feb 5, 2026 – Savannah Guthrie, her siblings Annie and Cameron post a tear‑filled four‑minute Instagram video saying they are “ready to talk” and demanding “proof without a doubt that she is alive,” warning kidnappers that manipulated voices or images will not be accepted [1][3][4][5].

Feb 5, 2026 – Search teams including K‑9 units, drones, helicopters and dogs conduct a follow‑up sweep of the neighborhood, yet find no trace of Nancy Guthrie; investigators note her cellphone, wallet and car remain at the home, suggesting a forced nighttime removal [5][3].

Feb 5, 2026 – A candlelight vigil draws hundreds at St. Philip’s in the Hills Episcopal Church, and Victory Church in Albany announces a $25,000 reward for information leading to Nancy’s location, supplementing a $2,500 reward offered by local authorities [4][3].

Feb 5, 2026 – The sheriff’s office schedules a press briefing for Thursday, Feb 6, 2026, at 1 p.m. ET to update the public on the investigation and any new leads [3][5].

Feb 6, 2026 (Planned) – The opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy proceeds without Savannah Guthrie, who has been replaced by Mary Carillo as NBC’s on‑air talent [1].