Police Are Taking the Nancy Guthrie Ransom-Note Threat Seriously

On Tuesday morning, TMZ claims it received a ransom-note threat related to Savannah Guthrie’s missing mother, Nancy Guthrie. The threat asked for “a specific substantial amount of bitcoin” in the millions of dollars. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department is taking the threat seriously. “We are aware of reports circulating about possible ransom note(s) regarding the investigation into Nancy Guthrie,” the department posted on X shortly after TMZ’s report. “We are taking all tips and leads very seriously. Anything that comes in, goes directly to our detectives who are coordinating with the FBI.” An anchor from the Tucson CBS television affiliate also claimed to have received a ransom note, per New York Times. There’s no confirmation that those who sent the notes are affiliated with the missing-persons case.

Savannah’s mother was reported missing on February 1, and police stated that she “did not leave” her home on her own; the last time the family saw her was on January 31. Nancy reportedly had limited mobility, and police are treating the case as an abduction. “We do believe that Nancy was taken from her home against her will, and that’s where we’re at,” Pima County sheriff Chris Nanos told the Times.

Savannah will no longer be covering the Milan Olympics later this week and has taken a hiatus from hosting the Today show. On Monday, Savannah asked for prayers on Instagram, writing, “thank you for lifting your prayers with ours for our beloved mom, our dearest Nancy, a woman of deep conviction, a good and faithful servant. raise your prayers with us and believe with us that she will be lifted by them in this very moment… Bring her home.”