A frightening mystery unfolding in southern Arizona reached the Oval Office on Tuesday, as President Donald Trump weighed in publicly on the disappearance of the mother of NBC’s “Today” show co-host Savannah Guthrie and pledged federal support to help resolve the case.
According to Fox News, Nancy Guthrie, 84, was last seen late Saturday night at her Tucson-area home, according to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department. Family members reported her missing around midday Sunday after being unable to locate her.
Authorities have not released extensive details about what occurred, but investigators said the circumstances point to a possible kidnapping or abduction.
Law enforcement officials also confirmed that blood was discovered outside the residence, raising further concern about her safety.
Speaking during a question-and-answer session with reporters in the Oval Office on Tuesday, Trump said he was personally considering additional federal involvement in the investigation and planned to reach out directly to Guthrie.
“I think it’s terrible,” Trump said. “I’m going to call [Savannah Guthrie] later on. I think it’s a terrible thing. … Very unusual situation, but we’re going to find out.”
Despite their often tense on-air exchanges in the past, Trump struck a conciliatory tone when referencing the NBC anchor.
“I always got along very good with Savannah,” he added.
The president’s comments recalled a high-profile October 2020 NBC town hall, during which Guthrie sharply questioned Trump on his administration’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and his social media activity, at one point accusing him of “sending a lie” to supporters.
As the investigation continues, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department confirmed Tuesday that it is aware of reports involving a possible ransom demand tied to Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance.
“We are aware of reports circulating about possible ransom note(s) regarding the investigation into Nancy Guthrie,” the department said in a statement. “Anything that comes in, goes directly to our detectives who are coordinating with the FBI.”
TMZ and KOLD 13 News reported Tuesday that each had received unverified ransom notes allegedly demanding payment in exchange for Guthrie’s return. TMZ reported the note it received demanded millions of dollars in Bitcoin and included details about the case that have not been made public, along with a deadline.
Authorities have not confirmed whether the notes are authentic or whether the messages received by different outlets are connected.
The FBI is assisting local law enforcement as the search continues. Anyone with information related to Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance has been urged to contact the FBI tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI.
