Federal authorities have released the first surveillance images showing a “potential subject” as investigators continue searching for Nancy Guthrie, the mother of “TODAY” show host Savannah Guthrie, in what authorities describe as a disappearance and alleged kidnapping case.
FBI Director Kash Patel shared the photos and two videos in a post on X Tuesday afternoon.
“Over the last eight days, the FBI and Pima County Sheriff’s Department have been working closely with our private sector partners to continue to recover any images or video footage from Nancy Guthrie’s home that may have been lost, corrupted, or inaccessible due to a variety of factors – including the removal of recording devices,” Patel wrote.
Patel said investigators recovered the footage from residual data stored in backend systems.
The videos and photos show a person wearing a backpack, long sleeves and pants approaching the front door and attempting to cover the camera with a glove. The individual then turns, grabs plants and places them in front of the camera. Another video shows the person walking with their head tilted downward while entering the home’s archway.
Investigators had hoped the home’s cameras would provide clues about how Guthrie disappeared. However, the doorbell camera was disconnected early Sunday. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos previously said that although software recorded motion at the home minutes later, Guthrie did not have an active subscription, preventing recovery of the footage.
“Working with our partners – as of this morning, law enforcement has uncovered these previously inaccessible new images showing an armed individual appearing to have tampered with the camera at Nancy Guthrie’s front door the morning of her disappearance,” Patel said.
Authorities urge anyone with information to call 1-800-CALL-FBI or visit http://tips.fbi.gov. President Donald Trump has encouraged anyone with knowledge of the case to come forward.
“His initial reaction, of course, is of pure disgust … we are just praying for the safety of Nancy Guthrie and we hope that she will be home soon,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said during a Tuesday briefing.
Nancy Guthrie has been missing since Sunday, February 1, after she failed to attend church services. She was last seen around 9:45 p.m. the night before after having dinner at her daughter Annie Guthrie’s home in Tucson, Arizona.
On Monday, the FBI said investigators are unaware of any communication between Savannah Guthrie and possible kidnappers more than a week after her mother’s disappearance. Officials have not identified any suspects or persons of interest. In a social media video posted Monday afternoon, Savannah Guthrie described her family as being in “an hour of desperation.”
“Please. bring her home. we need you. she needs you. all of you,” the video caption reads.
Three news outlets received alleged ransom letters, and at least one included monetary demands with set deadlines. The first deadline passed Thursday, and the second expired Monday evening. Authorities have not confirmed whether the letters are authentic.
The FBI is offering a $50,000 reward for information related to the case.
DNA testing confirmed that blood found on Guthrie’s front porch matched her, Sheriff Nanos said. Investigators say they have no proof of life but remain hopeful she is “still out there.” Guthrie reportedly requires daily medication for high blood pressure and heart conditions, including a pacemaker.
Law enforcement officers remain at Guthrie’s home and will continue searching the surrounding area Tuesday, including expanding the search and following up on new leads, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department said.
The Sheriff’s Office stated that no news briefings or interviews with Sheriff Nanos are scheduled at this time.