FBI Releases Images of Suspect as Search Intensifies in Disappearance of Savannah Guthrie’s Mother
In a dramatic development in one of the most closely watched missing-person cases in recent U.S. memory, federal authorities have released multiple images and video clips of an armed individual believed to be connected to the disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, the mother of NBC’s Today host Savannah Guthrie. Investigators hope the newly public materials — combined with tens of thousands of tips from the public — may finally produce a breakthrough.
Nancy Guthrie was reported missing from her home in the affluent Catalina Foothills area near Tucson, Arizona, on February 1, 2026, after family members discovered she did not show up for planned activities and could not be reached. At the time, law enforcement quickly shifted the case from a missing-person search to a criminal investigation, citing evidence at her residence that strongly suggested she was taken against her will.
Shocking Surveillance Footage Released
On Tuesday, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Pima County Sheriff’s Department released previously unseen surveillance photos and two short video clips recovered from the doorbell and other home cameras. The footage shows a masked, armed individual wearing gloves and a backpack, seen tampering with and attempting to disable a security camera outside Guthrie’s front door in the early hours of February 1 — the night she vanished.
The still images and videos depict the suspect covering the camera with foliage and otherwise attempting to obstruct its view, an action authorities say could indicate the individual was aware of the camera’s presence and seeking to prevent it from capturing their actions.
FBI Director Kash Patel and local law enforcement emphasized that releasing the material was a carefully considered step intended to generate leads. “These images are critical,” Patel said in a statement on social media platform X. “Someone out there recognizes this person. We urge anyone with information to come forward.”
Public Reaction and Family Pleas
Savannah Guthrie, 54, shared the images and video on her Instagram account, stressing her belief that her mother “is still out there” and calling on the public to help identify the person in the footage. In a separate post, she wrote that “someone out there recognizes this person” and urged anyone with relevant information to contact authorities immediately.
In a separate emotional plea, Savannah and her siblings have made public appeals directly to anyone holding their mother. Family members spoke of Nancy’s frailty, her need for daily medication, and their deep concern for her safety — messages that have been widely shared across social media and traditional news outlets.
Search Efforts Ongoing With Public Engagement
As of Thursday morning, authorities reported more than 18,000 tips and calls to tip lines from members of the public following the release of surveillance footage. Investigators have canvassed not only neighborhoods surrounding Guthrie’s home but also nearby roadways, washes, and stretches of desert brush outside Tucson — looking for any sign that might indicate where Guthrie has been taken or the identity of the person seen in the footage.
The FBI’s search efforts have been described as “extensive,” focusing on roads leading out of the Catalina Foothills area as well as collecting security footage from local businesses and residents. Authorities continue to follow up on leads received from the public.
Reward and Ransom Notes
In a move to increase public engagement, the FBI has offered a $50,000 reward for information that leads to Nancy Guthrie’s recovery or the arrest of those responsible. Although the reward itself has not led to a confirmed break in the case, it reflects the urgency with which federal investigators are pursuing every possible avenue.
Complicating matters, several ransom notes demanding payment in cryptocurrency were circulated to media outlets in the days following Guthrie’s disappearance. At least one letter demanded millions of dollars in Bitcoin, though authorities have not been able to confirm whether the notes were genuine or made by someone with direct knowledge of her whereabouts. No proof of life has been provided.
Man Detained, Then Released
Last week, police detained a man during a traffic stop south of Tucson in connection with the investigation. The individual, a local delivery driver, was questioned and later released without charges after investigators conducted a search of his home. He has denied any involvement, saying he did not know Nancy or Savannah Guthrie and had not been following the news about the case.
Law enforcement sources said the brief detention was part of the investigative process and reflected the intensity of efforts to pursue any conceivable lead — even though the man is no longer considered a suspect.
Evidence at the Scene
From the earliest stages of the case, forensic evidence played a central role. Blood matching Nancy Guthrie’s DNA was found at her home near the front steps, indicating a struggle or bodily injury shortly before or during her disappearance. Investigators found signs of forced entry, and because Guthrie has limited mobility and requires daily medication, police quickly ruled out the possibility that she left on her own.
Authorities have not released additional forensic details but have confirmed that homicide and forensic units remain actively involved in the investigation.
No Confirmed Sightings, But Hope Remains
Despite intense efforts, no confirmed sightings of Nancy Guthrie have been reported since she vanished. Law enforcement has not publicly identified a suspect or person of interest beyond the person visible in the released footage — whose identity remains unknown.
Law enforcement officials continue to stress that anyone with information, no matter how small, should contact the FBI or the Pima County Sheriff’s Office. Tips can be submitted by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI or using local reporting channels.
Nationwide Attention and Ongoing Coverage
The case has captured national attention, drawing interest from major news networks, social media platforms, and communities across the country. Viewership for national news programming — including Today — has surged as audiences tune in for updates on the investigation.
Savannah Guthrie—normally a leading voice on national television—has largely stepped away from broadcast duties to remain close to her family in Arizona as the search continues. Her colleagues and the broader Today show community have publicly expressed support and solidarity.
What Happens Next?
With the release of surveillance materials and a swell of public response, investigators and the Guthrie family hope this week marks a turning point in locating Nancy Guthrie. The search is far from over, and authorities maintain that any piece of information could prove critical in solving this case.
