US news anchor Savannah Guthrie has posted a video message tearfully pleading for the return of her abducted mother and seeking proof from her captors that the 84-year-old is still alive.
We want to hear from you and we are ready to listen, the NBC host says, flanked by her siblings in the clip posted to Instagram. Please reach out to us.
Nancy Guthrie went missing in the middle of the night from her home in the US state of Arizona over the weekend.
Authorities said they suspect she was kidnapped and they are working with the FBI to authenticate a possible ransom note.
We are ready to talk, said the NBC host in the video posted on Wednesday night. However, 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.
It is standard procedure in hostage and kidnapping cases for negotiators to demand proof of life from abductors. It is unclear if Nancy Guthrie's children were directed to do so by authorities.
Pima County Sheriff's Office said on Wednesday they were still speaking with anyone who had contact with Nancy Guthrie last weekend, and that no suspect or person of interest had so far been identified.
Savannah Guthrie, joined by her sister Annie and brother Cameron, said in the clip they were aware of an alleged ransom note, which was sent to at least one media outlet.
Mommy, if you are hearing this, you are a strong woman, the Today show presenter said, her voice breaking. Everyone is looking for you, mommy. Everywhere. We will not rest. Your children will not rest until we are together again.
Officials have warned Nancy Guthrie could be in dire health without her medication, which Savannah Guthrie mentioned in the clip. Our mom is our heart and our home, she said. Her health, her heart is fragile. She lives in constant pain. She is without any medicine. She needs it to survive. She needs it not to suffer.
Her sister, Annie, said the light is missing from our lives and added to her mother, if you are listening we need you to come home. We miss you.
Shortly after the video was posted, US President Donald Trump commented on Truth Social about the case, directing all federal law enforcement to assist with the investigation. I spoke with Savannah Guthrie and let her know that I am directing ALL Federal Law Enforcement to be at the family's, and Local Law Enforcement's, complete disposal, IMMEDIATELY, he said.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos described an ongoing search for Nancy including dogs, drones, helicopters, and federal agents. Nancy was last seen at her home on Saturday evening, with authorities indicating she was likely taken against her will.
