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By Jasmine Laws
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Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Kash Patel is ready to join the search for Nancy Guthrie, mother of the Today show co-host Savannah Guthrie, who was last seen on Saturday, according to Axios, citing two sources.
Patel is "devoting all resources possible to help and is prepared to go if the situation warrants," a source told Axios.
The FBI told Newsweek that Patel was "receiving personal updates from his team," and that "potential travel to Tucson is unrelated to this investigation and had been previously discussed weeks prior, though plans may change and we don't have any additional comment at this time."
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"The Pima County Sheriff's Department remains the lead in the investigation, and the FBI will continue to provide any and all support needed in the case," the FBI said.
President Donald Trump also said on Wednesday that he had spoken with the NBC News morning show anchor and that he was "directing all federal law enforcement to be at the family's, and local law enforcement's, complete disposal, immediately."
"We are deploying all resources to get her mother home safely. The prayers of our Nation are with her and her family," Trump wrote on Truth Social.
It comes after two news outlets reported receiving alleged ransom notes, and law enforcement said it was investigating whether they were connected and credible.
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What To Know
Nancy Guthrie was last seen by family members on January 31 at around 9:45 p.m., Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said, and the family filed a missing persons report around 12 p.m. on Sunday.
On Monday, Nanos added: "We believe now, after we processed that crime scene, that we do in fact have a crime scene, that we do in fact have a crime, and we're asking the community's help." The sheriff said there were things at the scene that indicated Nancy "did not leave on her own."
The Pima County Sheriff's Department said on Wednesday that investigators had not identified a suspect or person of interest in relation to this case.
The department added that "while we appreciate the public's concern, the sharing of unverified accusations or false information is irresponsible and does not assist the investigation."
This came after the department said on Tuesday that they were "aware of reports circulating about possible ransom note(s) regarding the investigation into Nancy Guthrie."
"We are taking all tips and leads very seriously. Anything that comes in, goes directly to our detectives who are coordinating with the FBI," they said.
Savannah Guthrie also acknowledged the reports in the video shared on her Instagram account, saying "we too have heard reports about a ransom letter in the media." She said the family was "ready to talk," but that "we live in a world where voices and images are easily manipulated."
"We need to know without a doubt that she is alive and that you have her," she added. "We want to hear from you and we are ready to listen. Please reach out to us."
Savannah also said that her mother's health and heart were "fragile," and that "she lives in constant pain."
"She is without any medicine. She needs it to survive. She needs it not to suffer," she said.
What People Are Saying
Savannah Guthrie, Nancy's daughter, said in a video on Instagram: "On behalf of our family, we want to thank all of you for the prayers for our beloved mom, Nancy. We feel them, and we continue to believe that she feels them too. Our mom is a kind, faithful, loyal, fiercely loving woman of goodness and light. She's funny, spunky and clever. She has grandchildren that adore her and crowd around her and cover her with kisses. She loves fun and adventure. She is a devoted friend. She is full of kindness and knowledge, talk to her and you'll see."
Annie Guthrie, Savannah's sister, said in the video: "The light is missing from our lives. Nancy is our mother. We are her children. She is our beacon. She holds fast to joy in all of life's circumstances. She chooses joy day after day. Despite having already passed through great trials of pain and grief, we are always going to be merely human. Just normal human people who need our mom. Momma, if you're listening, we need you to come home. We miss you."
What Happens Next
Anyone with information is asked to contact 88-CRIME. Tips can also be submitted anonymously by calling 520-882-7463, via the P3TIPS mobile app, and online at www.88crime.org.
The sheriff's office is offering a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to the arrest of anyone involved in the disappearance.
Update 2/5/26, 9:34 a.m. ET: This article has been updated with comment from the FBI.
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