Today show host Savannah Guthrie gave a tearful plea for the return of her 84-year-old mother, whose disappearance from her home last weekend is being considered a crime.
Guthrie, in a video shared to Instagram, addressed an unverified ransom note that reportedly threatens her loved ones to pay millions of dollars’ worth of cryptocurrency for Nancy Guthrie’s return.
“We, too, have heard reports about the ransom letter in the media. As a family, we are doing everything that we can. We are ready to talk,” Guthrie said beside her brother and sister.
“However, we live in a world where voices and images are easily manipulated,” she continued. “We need to know, without a doubt, that she is alive and that you have her. We want to hear from you, and we are ready to listen. Please, reach out to us.”
After TMZ reported on the apparent ransom note, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department said in a statement that it was aware of it and was “taking all tips and leads very seriously.”
“Anything that comes in goes directly to our detectives, who are coordinating with the FBI,” it added.
According to TMZ, the note claims to have knowledge of what the elder Guthrie was wearing when abducted and the damage done to her house. The entertainment tabloid also said there was a deadline regarding payment.
In her video on Wednesday, Savannah Guthrie noted that her mother’s health is fragile and that she isn’t receiving the medication she needs. She also spoke directly to her.
“Mommy, if you are hearing this, you are a strong woman. You are God’s precious daughter, Nancy. We believe and know that even in this valley, he is with you,” she said. “We will not rest. Your children will not rest until we are together again.”
Guthrie, 54, also thanked those who have expressed good thoughts and prayers: “We feel them, and we continue to believe that she feels them, too.”
Later Wednesday night, President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that he had spoken with Guthrie and was “directing ALL Federal Law Enforcement to be at the family’s, and Local Law Enforcement’s, complete disposal, IMMEDIATELY.”
Investigators have been challenged by the location of Guthrie’s home in the Catalina Foothills neighborhood in Tucson, Arizona, where there are no streetlights and her neighbors’ homes are spaced out, lessening the chance of any witnesses.
