Masked, Armed Figure Spotted Near TV Star’s Mother’s Home

New images released by the FBI show a masked individual outside the home of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of television personality Savannah Guthrie, in the days leading up to her disappearance. The release of the images comes as authorities have questioned one person in connection with the case, according to a law enforcement official.

The FBI shared the images and video footage on Monday, hoping to identify the individual seen approaching Guthrie’s Tucson, Arizona, residence. The person is depicted wearing a mask and carrying a backpack, and appears to attempt to obscure a security camera with foliage. “We have uncovered these previously unavailable images showing an armed individual appearing to tamper with the camera at Nancy Guthrie’s front door the morning she went missing,” said FBI Director Kash Patel in a statement, as reported by the BBC.

The images show the individual holding what appears to be a flashlight in their mouth while covering the camera lens. Authorities believe Guthrie was abducted from her bed sometime around 2:30 a.m. On February 1st. Investigators discovered blood on the porch, which DNA analysis confirmed belonged to Guthrie.

According to police sources cited by CBS News, the FBI collaborated with Google to obtain the video footage from a Nest security camera. The individual depicted is currently considered a person of interest, but has not been officially identified as a suspect.

Savannah Guthrie shared the newly released images on Instagram, appealing for information. “Someone out there recognizes this person. We believe she is still out there. Bring her home,” she wrote.

The investigation has revealed that the door bell camera was disconnected at 1:47 a.m., and the app connected to Guthrie’s pacemaker lost contact with her phone at 2:28 a.m. Authorities are treating the case as a kidnapping, and a ransom demand reportedly has been made, though the FBI has not confirmed ongoing communication between the family and potential kidnappers.

Multiple media outlets have reported receiving ransom demands via email, requesting millions of dollars in Bitcoin. The latest deadline passed on Monday, but authorities have not disclosed whether any payment was made or if negotiations are continuing.

President Donald Trump, having viewed the video footage, has urged anyone with information to come forward and contact law enforcement. The FBI is offering a reward of $50,000 for information leading to the safe return of Nancy Guthrie.

The case has drawn significant attention, raising concerns about the safety of elderly individuals and the increasing prevalence of sophisticated kidnapping schemes. The remote location of Guthrie’s home, situated in a quiet residential area of Tucson, has also prompted questions about security measures and the vulnerability of residents in similar areas.

The investigation is ongoing, with authorities pursuing all available leads. The FBI is urging anyone with information, no matter how small, to contact them immediately. The focus remains on locating Nancy Guthrie and ensuring her safe return.