Today Show Host's Mother Believed Abducted from Arizona Home

Overnight Disappearance Turns Into Criminal Investigation

The 84-year-old mother of NBC "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie has vanished from her Arizona home in what authorities believe was an abduction. Nancy Guthrie was taken from her home against her will, possibly in the middle of the night, according to Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos, who described the incident as a possible kidnapping or abduction .

Nancy Guthrie was last seen Saturday night in the Catalina Foothills area outside Tucson, with her children bringing her home around 9:45 p.m. local time . The following morning, her family received a call from their mother's church saying she wasn't there, prompting them to search her home before calling 911 around noon Sunday .

What began as a search-and-rescue mission has been shut down, with Sheriff Nanos stating they don't see this as a search mission as much as a crime scene . Investigators found circumstances at the scene they believe are suspicious in nature, though officials have not provided specific details .

Physical Limitations Rule Out Voluntary Departure

Nancy Guthrie has physical ailments that limit her mobility and requires medication that could be fatal if not taken within 24 hours . Sheriff Nanos emphasized that she couldn't walk 50 yards from her home, making it clear she couldn't have left on her own unless she was removed .

Despite her physical limitations, authorities stress that Nancy Guthrie has no cognitive issues and is described as being of sound mind and sharp as a tack . The sheriff noted that the clock is literally ticking regarding her need for daily medication, as it has been more than 24 hours since she disappeared .

Nancy Guthrie lives alone but has house staff who help with her home and yard, some of whom have been in touch with law enforcement . Authorities are reviewing the home's security cameras and examining Nancy Guthrie's cellphone, with investigators focusing on electronic devices to see if data could point to an assailant or specific timing .

Investigation Expands Beyond Local Search

The FBI is assisting in the investigation , while authorities are turning to license-plate readers and other surveillance cameras for leads . The sheriff has encouraged neighbors to review their own home security footage, even if their cameras don't face the Guthrie home, saying they might still see something like somebody walking by .

It remains unclear if this was a targeted attack, and when asked about threats against Savannah Guthrie, the sheriff said his department has been in touch with her security team but is unaware of any such threats at the moment . Authorities have stated there's no indication at this time that the public is in danger .

Savannah Guthrie, who has been absent from the Today show since her mother was reported missing, released a statement thanking everyone for thoughts, prayers and messages of support, saying their focus remains on the safe return of dear Nancy . The case has transformed from a missing person search into a complex criminal investigation that may determine the fate of a beloved television personality's mother.