FBI Director Kash Patel gave a rare update on the investigation into Nancy Guthrie’s Jan. 31 disappearance, saying the FBI offered immediate help but was denied access for four days. A hair sample from the home was ultimately sent to the FBI and could take months to process. Patel said about 150 agents and analysts are working the case in Tucson and investigators used Ring doorbell footage and Google metadata in their search. Savannah Guthrie is offering a $1 million reward and urges anyone with information to call 1-800-CALL-FBI.
FBI Director Kash Patel Gives Rare Update On Nancy Guthrie Abduction — FBI Says Access Was Delayed
FBI Director Kash Patel has provided a rare public update on the investigation into the disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, mother of Today co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, more than four months after she was last seen in Tucson, Arizona.
What Patel Said
“We showed up immediately and offered our assistance. We were not let in for four days. And that’s their choice,” Patel said in an interview with NewsNation on June 5, shortly after the case reached the four-month mark on June 1.
Patel also discussed forensic evidence recovered at the Guthrie home. A hair sample was found; the FBI offered to perform DNA testing, but the local agency initially chose a private laboratory. Patel said the hair was ultimately forwarded to the FBI and that processing could still take months.
How the FBI Is Assisting
Highlighting the value of federal-local cooperation, Patel described how FBI agents gained access to a Ring doorbell camera and engaged private-sector partners to expand their search. “Let’s go look at the metadata and see if we can find a needle in a needle in a needle in a haystack,” he said, referring to analysts combing metadata with Google’s help.
Patel said the bureau continues to review incoming tips and forensic evidence. He visited the FBI’s Tucson office, where about 150 agents and analysts are assigned to the investigation and working to develop actionable intelligence.
Case Status And Appeal For Information
Nancy Guthrie was last seen at her Catalina Foothills home on the evening of Jan. 31. Savannah Guthrie has offered a $1 million reward for information leading to her mother’s return. The FBI has released photos and video showing a masked individual on Nancy’s front porch, but no suspect has been publicly identified.
On Mother’s Day, Savannah Guthrie posted: “Mother, daughter, sister, Nonie—we miss you with every breath. We will never stop looking for you. We will never be at peace until we find you.”
If you have information, contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI. Tips can be submitted anonymously and may be eligible for the posted reward. The FBI says agents remain actively engaged and continue coordinating with local partners while reviewing evidence and leads.
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