FBI Unveils New Footage of Masked Figure Linked to Nancy Guthrie's Vanishing
Authorities detained a person of interest in the case of Nancy Guthrie's disappearance on Tuesday in Arizona, though it remains uncertain if this individual is the same one captured on surveillance footage.
On Tuesday, the FBI and Pima County Sheriff's Department shared surveillance images and videos related to the case involving Nancy Guthrie, mother of "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie.
Images released depict a masked individual with a backpack on the porch of Guthrie's Tucson residence. FBI Director Kash Patel, present at the investigation command post in Arizona, also shared video clips showing the figure outside the home.
One 27-second video captures the individual approaching the front door, raising a gloved hand to a security camera before retreating. Another 14-second clip shows the person holding a flashlight in their mouth while obscuring the camera lens with vegetation, identified by law enforcement as prairie brush.
According to the FBI, these images were obtained from residual data in backend systems, revealing an armed individual who appeared to tamper with the camera on the morning of Guthrie's disappearance. The 84-year-old was reported missing on February 1.
Law enforcement sources indicated that the masked figure may have been armed, suggesting familiarity with the home's security setup.
Savannah Guthrie took to social media to urge anyone who recognizes the individual to come forward, stating, "We believe she is still out there. Bring her home."
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos disclosed that a doorbell camera at Guthrie's residence was disconnected around 1:47 a.m. on February 1. At approximately 2:12 a.m., another camera detected movement classified as a person, but Nanos noted that footage was unavailable due to the home's lack of subscription to that service.
Two law enforcement sources confirmed that the FBI collaborated with Google to retrieve video from the Nest camera.
The individual depicted in the images is currently not classified as a suspect or person of interest, according to law enforcement sources.
No suspects have been identified thus far. Investigators are tracking several vehicles captured on surveillance cameras near the time of Guthrie's disappearance. Additionally, they removed a camera from her roof and towed her vehicle for fingerprint analysis and other potential evidence.
Following the release of new images, the sheriff's department announced no press briefings were scheduled at this time.
Investigators were observed canvassing neighborhoods on Tuesday as part of their ongoing search efforts.
The case has garnered national attention, prompting White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt to mention during a delayed briefing that President Trump was reviewing the newly released footage.
Leavitt emphasized that anyone with information regarding the individual in the footage should contact the FBI, stating, "The prayers of this entire White House are with Savannah and her family at this time."
Savannah Guthrie has appealed for assistance nationwide, expressing in a social media video that her family believes Nancy Guthrie is "still out there." She urged viewers to report any suspicious activity to law enforcement.
"We are at an hour of desperation, and we need your help," Savannah said.
The deadline for an apparent ransom note demanding bitcoin payment passed on Monday. An FBI spokesperson confirmed there has been no further communication between the Guthrie family and suspected kidnappers.
"Someone has that one piece of information that can help us bring Nancy home," the spokesperson urged. "Please call us at 1-800-CALL-FBI."
The FBI is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to Nancy Guthrie's recovery or a conviction in this case.
As the search enters its second week, urgency mounts due to critical medication left behind at her home.
Over the weekend, Savannah addressed those potentially involved in her mother's disappearance, stating that her family would pay for her return.
"We beg you now to return our mother to us so that we can celebrate with her," Savannah implored in an Instagram video alongside her siblings. "This is very valuable to us, and we will pay."
