What is known about the possible kidnapping of a journalist’s mother in the USA, which mobilized a task force with the FBI

American journalist Savannah Guthrie published a video on Wednesday (4/2) appealing for her mother’s return and asking for evidence that the 84-year-old woman is still alive. Authorities believe 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie was kidnapped. “We want to hear from you and we are ready to listen,” says the NBC presenter, alongside her brothers in a video posted on Instagram. “Please contact us.” Nancy Guthrie disappeared from her home in the US state of Arizona in the middle of the night last weekend. Authorities suspect she was kidnapped and are working with the FBI to authenticate a possible ransom note. “We are ready to talk,” said the NBC presenter in the video. “Yet we live in a world where voices and images are easily manipulated. We need to know, without a shadow of a doubt, that she is alive and with you.” It is standard procedure in hostage and kidnapping cases for negotiators to demand proof of life from the kidnappers. It is unclear whether Nancy’s children were instructed to do this by authorities. The Pima County Sheriff’s Office said Wednesday that it was still talking to people who had contact with Nancy Guthrie last weekend and that no suspects or persons of interest had been identified at this time. Savannah Guthrie, accompanied by her sister Annie and brother Cameron, said in the video that they were aware of an alleged ransom letter, which was sent to at least one media outlet. “Mommy, if you’re listening to this, you’re a strong woman,” the NBC Today show host said, her voice cracking. “Everyone is looking for you, Mom. Everywhere. We won’t rest.” Authorities warned that Nancy Guthrie could be in poor health without her medication. “Our mom is our heart and our home,” Savannah said in the video. “Her health, her heart, are fragile. She lives in constant pain. She is without any medicine. She needs them to survive. She needs them so she doesn’t suffer.” “Mommy, if you’re listening, we need you to come home. We miss you,” said her sister, Annie. Shortly after the video was published, US President Donald Trump commented on the case on his Truth Social platform. He said he was directing all federal law enforcement agencies to assist in the investigation to “bring your mother home safely.” “I have spoken with Savannah Guthrie and informed her that I am directing ALL federal and local law enforcement agencies to be available to the family, IMMEDIATELY,” he said, adding that the nation was praying for his family. The BBC contacted the FBI and local authorities. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said a search is underway with all available resources — including dogs, drones, helicopters and federal agents. Nancy Guthrie was last seen at her home in Catalina Foothills, an upscale neighborhood about 6 miles northeast of Tucson, on Saturday night when family members dropped her off at around 9:30 p.m. local time. She did not attend church on Sunday morning, prompting members of her congregation to notify her family. When detectives searched his home, they found a scene that caused “grave concern,” Sheriff Nanos said. He declined to give further details about what was found. “We believe Nancy was taken from her home against her will,” he said. He did not comment on reports of blood found on the property. Law enforcement officials asked people to stop sharing false information about the case. Savannah Guthrie is one of the most famous faces in American media and her video received support from several media outlets and Hollywood personalities. The journalist, who joined NBC in 2007, became an anchor for NBC’s Today show in 2012. She also serves as a legal affairs correspondent for NBC News and hosts the network’s Thanksgiving and Olympics programming. Savannah Guthrie was scheduled to host NBC’s coverage of the Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony in Milan on Friday. But she dropped out due to her mother’s disappearance. Presenter Mary Carillo will replace her, NBC reported. “Our hearts are with Savannah and the entire Guthrie family,” Molly Solomon, executive producer and president of NBC Olympics Production, said in a statement. “They continue to have our full support.”

Source link