Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of "TODAY" show co-host Savannah Guthrie, was reported missing Feb. 1. Now in its second week, a man who was detained last night for questioning in the disappearance was released after several hours, marking another development in this high-profile case that has gripped the nation.
The FBI released images of a masked and armed individual captured on her front door camera on the morning the 84-year-old mother of "TODAY" co-anchor Savannah Guthrie disappeared in Tucson, Arizona. The images show an unidentified person wearing a mask, gloves, sneakers and a backpack. The person is armed, according to FBI Director Kash Patel. The release of these surveillance photos and videos triggered an immediate response: more than 4,000 calls have come into the Pima County Sheriff's Department in the 24 hours since the FBI released photos and videos of a potential subject in the Guthrie kidnapping case.
The investigation has expanded significantly across Arizona. Law enforcement expanded its search of the surroundings of Nancy Guthrie's home in Tucson, Arizona. Authorities also began searching through a residential area of Rio Rico, roughly 60 miles south of Tucson. Several hundred detectives and agents are assigned to this case, and authorities said, "You will continue to see increased law enforcement activity throughout Pima County as the investigation expands." Meanwhile, the Guthrie family said they have received a message from the people who say they took Nancy Guthrie from her home in Arizona. Savannah Guthrie said in a new video message, "This is very valuable to us, and we will pay," speaking directly to those claiming to hold her mother.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has said Guthrie does not have cognitive issues, characterizing her as "sharp as a tack." However, he said, she has limited mobility and needs to take medication daily or "it could be fatal." The FBI announced a $50,000 reward on Thursday for information leading to Guthrie's recovery. Anyone with information, no matter how small, is asked to report it at 1-800-CALL-FBI or online at tips.fbi.gov.