Savannah Guthrie Appeals for Assistance Amid Ransom Deadline
US news anchor Savannah Guthrie has made a renewed appeal for assistance as the reported deadline for a ransom payment concerning her missing mother approaches.
In a video posted on Instagram on Monday afternoon, Guthrie stated:
"We are at an hour of desperation, and we need your help,"
Nancy Guthrie vanished during the night from her residence in Tucson, Arizona, and was last seen on 31 January. Authorities suspect she was taken against her will. The FBI has announced a $50,000 (£36,000) reward for information leading to her whereabouts.
The family previously indicated their willingness to pay for Nancy's safe return. An earlier alleged ransom deadline, which required payment in Bitcoin, passed on 5 February.
Nancy Guthrie was reported missing after she did not attend a church service on Sunday, 1 February, prompting concern among other attendees.
The family has released three prior videos expressing their readiness to communicate with the potential kidnapper and requesting proof that Nancy is alive.
Latest Video Message from Savannah Guthrie
In the most recent video, Guthrie appears alone, differing from earlier recordings where she was accompanied by her siblings. She shares her thoughts as the family faces another week of uncertainty:
"I just want to share a few thoughts as we enter another week of this nightmare,"
"She was taken, and we don't know where. And we need your help,"
She extends gratitude to the public for their prayers, noting that her mother senses them even in her dire circumstances:
"She is also feeling them even in this darkest place,"
Guthrie urges people everywhere, regardless of proximity to Tucson, to report any suspicious activity that might provide clues about her mother's location:
"If you see anything, if you hear anything, if there's anything at all that seems strange to you, that you report to law enforcement,"
Investigation Status and FBI Involvement
On Sunday, the sheriff's office stated via social media that no suspects, persons of interest, or vehicles have been identified in connection with the case.
The FBI is investigating multiple ransom notes sent to local media outlets. The earlier alleged ransom deadline, requiring payment in Bitcoin, was set for Thursday and has since passed.
At a news briefing last week, FBI Special Agent Heith Janke confirmed the agency's review of a ransom note distributed to several media organizations. The note specified a payment deadline of 17:00 on Thursday, though the time zone was not clarified, and included a second deadline for the following Monday.
On Monday, FBI Director Kash Patel arrived in Tucson on a pre-planned visit unrelated to Nancy Guthrie's disappearance.
