Photo: Alamy
The puzzling and tragic disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of journalist Savannah Guthrie, has shocked and riveted the nation, and now, President Donald Trump and the federal apparatus is getting involved.
“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,” the president said Wednesday night.
This comes just after President Trump told reporters that he planned to personally reach out to Guthrie, per RSBN.
“We are deploying all resources to get her mother home safely,” the president continued. “The prayers of our Nation are with her and her family. GOD BLESS AND PROTECT NANCY!”
On Thursday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt gave reporters an update on the case, noting that she and the president had just finished watching a press briefing on the case, calling it a “heartbreaking situation.”
“The president, as you all know, spoke directly with Savannah yesterday, and told her that the federal government is here to help,” Leavitt stated. “Any requests that are made by state and local officials in the search of Ms. Guthrie will absolutely be accommodated. I spoke with the FBI directly about that today as well, and our hearts and our prayers are with Savannah and her entire family as they search for her dear mother.”
The disappearance of the elderly Ms. Guthrie is being treated as a likely abduction, although the cause of her disappearance is still unknown. She was last seen at her Tucson, Arizona home late Saturday night, and was reported missing by noon on Sunday.
Disturbingly, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos confirmed during a Thursday press briefing that law enforcement analysis on a blood sample on Ms. Guthrie’s front porch had come back as a positive match for her.
The president this week has since directed federal assets to assist in the investigation.
On Thursday, the FBI announced a $50,000 reward for information leading to the rescue of Ms. Guthrie or information leading to the arrest or conviction of anyone involved in her disappearance.
“To anyone that may be involved: do the right thing. This is an 84-year-old grandma that needs vital medication for her well-being,” said Special Agent Keith Janke during a press briefing. “You still have the time to do the right thing before this becomes a worse, much worse scenario for you. Please return Nancy home.”
He also revealed that the FBI had made an arrest linked to an “imposter” ransom note. “You will get more on that from the FBI and the US Attorney’s Office here in Arizona when it becomes available,” Janke said.
An alleged ransom note was additionally sent to TMZ this week, and included “specific deadlines,” the outlet said. TMZ turned the letter over to the authorities, according to a statement on social media.