Newly released FBI surveillance video is providing new insight into the abduction of Nancy Guthrie
The FBI has released surveillance footage of a masked and allegedly armed suspect believed to be connected to the kidnapping of Nancy Guthrie — the 84-year-old mother of Today show host Savannah Guthrie — as the investigation enters a critical new phase.
More than a week after Nancy vanished from her Tucson, Arizona home, federal authorities unveiled images captured in the early morning hours of February 1, the night she was taken. The footage, obtained from a Google Nest doorbell camera mounted on her front porch, shows a man dressed in dark clothing, wearing gloves, a face covering, and a backpack.
Investigators say the individual appears to be attempting to tamper with or disable the camera system before the abduction occurred.
FBI Director Kash Patel shared the images publicly Tuesday evening, urging anyone with information to come forward. The photos were quickly circulated across social media, including by members of the Guthrie family, in hopes that someone might recognize the suspect.
“Someone out there recognizes this person,” a family member wrote in an emotional post accompanying the images.
A Nighttime Abduction
According to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, Nancy Guthrie was abducted from her home in the middle of the night. Authorities believe the suspect may have been armed, though specific details about a weapon have not been publicly confirmed.
A ransom note left inside the residence demanded $6 million in Bitcoin in exchange for her release — a demand that has intensified the urgency of the investigation.
The cryptocurrency element adds a digital layer to the case. While Bitcoin is often perceived as anonymous, experts note that transactions are permanently recorded on a public blockchain. One crypto analyst described the ransom demand as a potential misstep, suggesting the perpetrator may have “exposed a vulnerability” by choosing a traceable payment method.
Expanding the Search
Federal agents are now working closely with private technology partners to recover additional surveillance footage from nearby homes and businesses. Authorities are canvassing the surrounding neighborhood for doorbell cameras, security systems, and any digital recordings that may reveal the suspect’s movements before or after the crime.
Director Kash Patel confirmed that investigators are pursuing all available leads, including digital forensics, financial tracking, and physical evidence collected at the scene.
The release of the footage marks a significant escalation in the case, signaling that investigators believe public assistance may be crucial in identifying the individual shown.
