Trump Orders Full Federal Support in High-Profile Arizona Abduction Case

Journey Tribune – Federal authorities are escalating their involvement in the search for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Today show co-host Savannah Guthrie, who disappeared under what law enforcement has described as suspicious circumstances near Tucson, Arizona. According to two sources familiar with the matter, FBI Director Kash Patel is preparing to travel to Tucson as President Donald Trump pledges the full weight of federal law enforcement to assist local authorities in the investigation.

Nancy Guthrie was last seen late Saturday evening at her home in the Catalina Foothills, an affluent area northeast of Tucson. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department has since indicated that investigators are treating the case as a possible kidnapping or abduction, marking a troubling turn in what began as a missing-persons report.

President Trump addressed the situation publicly on Truth Social, stating that he had spoken directly with Savannah Guthrie and had ordered “ALL Federal Law Enforcement” to be placed at the disposal of the family and local investigators. The president’s statement underscored the high-level attention the case has drawn, fueled both by the severity of the allegations and by Guthrie’s prominence as a national television journalist.

Attorney General Pam Bondi, who has known Guthrie for more than two decades, also spoke with her by phone on Wednesday, according to officials. Bondi is receiving frequent briefings on the case and is coordinating with federal agencies as developments unfold.

While the FBI’s involvement is increasing, Arizona authorities remain in charge of the investigation. A source familiar with the matter emphasized that the FBI is operating in a supporting capacity, providing technical assistance and resources at the request of local law enforcement. Patel, who had already been scheduled to travel to Tucson for a separate engagement, is now devoting additional attention to the case and is prepared to become more directly involved if circumstances warrant, the source said.

Sheriff Chris Nanos of Pima County told CBS News that investigators are examining reports of a possible ransom note sent to a local television station. Authorities have not confirmed the authenticity of the message, nor have they disclosed its contents, citing the sensitivity of the investigation and concerns about compromising potential negotiations.

The prospect of a ransom demand has intensified public concern and added urgency to the search. Law enforcement officials have cautioned that such reports are being carefully vetted amid the prevalence of hoaxes and misinformation in high-profile cases.

Savannah Guthrie and her siblings released a video appeal on Instagram earlier this week, pleading for their mother’s safe return. In an emotional statement, Guthrie described her mother as physically fragile and dependent on daily medication.

“She’s 84 years old,” Guthrie said in the video. “Her health, her heart, is fragile. She lives in constant pain. She is without any medicine. She needs it to survive, and she needs it not to suffer.”

The family acknowledged media reports regarding a ransom letter but stressed that they are proceeding cautiously. “We, too, have heard the reports about a ransom letter,” Guthrie said. “As a family, we are doing everything that we can. We are ready to talk.”

However, she also voiced concern about the potential manipulation of digital media, emphasizing the need for verification before engaging with anyone claiming to have information about her mother’s whereabouts.

“We live in a world where voices and images are easily manipulated,” Guthrie said. “We need to know without a doubt that she is alive and that you have her. We want to hear from you, and we are ready to listen.”

Investigators have not released details about how Nancy Guthrie may have been taken or whether there were signs of forced entry at her home. Authorities have asked the public to refrain from speculation and to report any credible information directly to law enforcement.

The case has drawn national attention, not only because of Guthrie’s public profile but also due to the rare nature of abduction cases involving elderly victims. Experts note that such investigations often present unique challenges, including heightened medical risks and a narrower window for safe recovery.

As the search continues, officials say the priority remains locating Nancy Guthrie and ensuring her safety. Federal, state, and local agencies are coordinating closely, with additional resources standing by should new evidence emerge.

An Axios editor’s note later clarified that Patel is planning a visit to Tucson and had not yet arrived at the time of initial reporting.

For now, the investigation remains active, fluid, and closely watched by authorities, the media, and a family anxiously awaiting answers.