Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance: FBI reveals haunting footage of mysterious visitor outside her home

Tucson: The FBI on Tuesday released surveillance footage showing a masked individual outside the home of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of NBC “Today” show anchor Savannah Guthrie, the night she went missing. The images offer the first major lead in a case that has captivated the nation for more than a week.

In the brief videos, the person, wearing a ski mask and backpack, can be seen tilting their head down near an archway at the front of Guthrie’s home. The individual appears to hold a flashlight in their mouth while trying to cover the camera with a gloved hand and a plant taken from the yard. A handgun holster is visible, though it is not entirely clear whether it contained a weapon.

Also read | ‘We will pay,’ US TV anchor Savannah Guthrie says in desperate video plea to mother’s kidnappers

FBI Director Kash Patel described the person as “armed” and said they appeared to "have tampered with the camera." The footage, totalling less than a minute, was recovered from back-end systems after investigators spent days retrieving lost or corrupted images.

“This will get the phone ringing for lots of potential leads,” said former FBI agent Katherine Schweit. “Even when you have a person who appears to be completely covered, they’re really not. You can see their girth, the shape of their face, potentially their eyes or mouth.”

Authorities returned to Nancy Guthrie’s neighborhood Tuesday, blocking her driveway with vehicles. In nearby areas, law enforcement went door-to-door around the home of Guthrie’s daughter, Annie, while also searching drainage areas and examining culverts with flashlights.

Also read | Investigative journalist Ravi Nair convicted in Adani defamation case

Investigators have maintained that Nancy Guthrie, 84, was taken against her will. She was last seen at her Tucson home on Jan. 31 and reported missing the following day. DNA tests confirmed blood found on her porch belonged to her. Officials noted she has high blood pressure, mobility challenges, and heart issues, and requires daily medication.

Until now, authorities had released few details about the case. Questions remain about whether ransom notes demanding money were authentic, and whether the Guthrie family had contact with the suspected kidnappers.

Also read | Moon first, Mars later: Why Elon just changed everything

Savannah Guthrie shared the new surveillance images on social media Tuesday, expressing her family’s hope that her mother is still alive and providing FBI and sheriff’s office contact numbers. The post quickly drew thousands of comments.

Investigators had initially hoped doorbell cameras would provide immediate evidence of Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance. The camera was disconnected on Feb. 1, and while movement was recorded afterwards, Guthrie did not have an active subscription for footage storage. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said officials continued working to recover the video.

Over the past week, the Guthrie family’s public appeals have shifted from hopeful to urgent. In a video released just before a reported ransom deadline Monday, Savannah Guthrie addressed the public directly. “We are at an hour of desperation,” she said. “We need your help.”

The case has drawn national attention. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said President Donald Trump viewed the surveillance footage and was in “pure disgust,” urging anyone with information to contact the FBI.

FBI spokesperson Connor Hagan said the agency is not aware of any ongoing communication between the Guthrie family and potential kidnappers and has not identified any suspects.

Three days after the search began, Savannah Guthrie and her siblings issued their first public appeal to the person holding their mother. “We want to hear from you, and we are ready to listen,” they said.

In a follow-up video, Savannah Guthrie noted the family had seen media reports about a ransom letter but said they first wanted proof that their mother was alive. “Please reach out to us,” they said.

Over the weekend, the family posted another, more cryptic video that fueled speculation about Nancy Guthrie’s fate. “We received your message, and we understand. We beg you now to return our mother to us so that we can celebrate with her,” said Savannah Guthrie, flanked by her siblings. “This is the only way we will have peace. This is very valuable to us, and we will pay.”