FBI Assistance Limited in Nancy Guthrie Investigation as Local Authorities Maintain Lead
President Donald Trump stated on Friday that the Federal Bureau of Investigation is being sidelined in the investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Today Show host Savannah Guthrie. Local authorities in Arizona have not permitted the federal agency to take the lead in the probe, according to the president's remarks as he departed the White House.
Local Control Over Federal Involvement
'You know, it was a local case originally. And they didn't want to let go of it, which is fine,' President Trump said. 'It's really up to the community. But ultimately, when the FBI got involved, I think progress has been made.' The Pima County Sheriff's Department, led by Sheriff Chris Nanos, continues to head the investigation, with the FBI's Phoenix Field Office providing assistance. The exact number of FBI agents involved remains unclear, and the agency did not respond to a request for comment from the Daily Mail.
Disputes Over Evidence Handling
Sheriff Nanos has denied allegations that his department is obstructing the FBI's access to evidence, following reports from a source to Reuters suggesting the sheriff was impairing the federal response. The FBI requested physical evidence, including a glove and DNA from Guthrie's Tucson home, to be processed at its national crime laboratory in Quantico, Virginia. However, Nanos insisted on using a private lab in Florida instead.
'Not even close to the truth,' Nanos said regarding claims of withholding evidence. 'Actually, the FBI just wanted to send the one or two they found by the crime scene, closest to it – mile, mile and a half.' He also argued that gloves found by FBI investigators might not be significant, as multiple pairs were discovered on the roadside near Nancy's home.
Key Evidence and Investigation Progress
President Trump highlighted the FBI's contributions, including critical surveillance video showing an adult male at Nancy Guthrie's door before her suspected abduction on February 1. The Phoenix FBI described the suspect as a male, approximately 5’9” to 5’10” tall with an average build, wearing a black 'Ozark Trail Hiker Pack' backpack in the video.
The FBI has reported receiving over 13,000 tips, and the reward for information has increased from $50,000 to $100,000. Despite this, the Pima County Sheriff's office has not announced major discoveries in the 13 days since Guthrie disappeared, leading to criticism from some quarters. The White House has repeatedly emphasized that federal investigators lack the authority to lead the case unless local authorities relinquish control.
White House and FBI Involvement
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stressed on Fox News that for the FBI to take over, local authorities must hand over the investigation. 'Director Patel himself was on the ground in Arizona this week ... offering the full resources and weight of the federal government to help local authorities bring this case to an end, to bring Nancy Guthrie home,' she said.
Leavitt also noted President Trump's involvement, stating he immediately offered assistance when the news broke. 'Our hearts break every day that this goes on and again, the FBI is on the ground wanting to assist in any way that they can.' The president added that it is too early to suspect cartel involvement in the disappearance.
Background of the Case
Nancy Guthrie was first reported missing on February 1 after failing to attend a virtual church service at a friend's house. Authorities began searching that night and confirmed the following day that her disappearance was being treated as a crime. The dramatic case has sparked ransom notes and widespread speculation about her fate, with the search ongoing into its 13th day.
