Iran Pressures Families of Exiled Journalists Amid Widening Crackdown on Reporting
February 2, 2026
February 03, 2026 – USA –
The 84-year-old mother of television journalist and NBC Today co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, Nancy Guthrie, has been reported missing after last being seen at her home in the Catalina Foothills area north of Tucson on Saturday, January 31, 2026, prompting a multi-agency investigation amid signs of foul play. Law enforcement officials are now treating the home as a crime scene and believe she may have been abducted, while the family and public await any breakthroughs in the case.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department confirmed that Nancy Guthrie was reported missing on Sunday afternoon, after she failed to attend a planned church service and relatives found no trace of her at her residence. Authorities described the circumstances inside the home as “very concerning,” citing evidence that indicates she did not leave voluntarily. Sheriff Chris Nanos said investigators do not believe she walked away on her own, given her limited mobility and reliance on daily medication that is critical for her health.
“We believe she was taken out of the home against her will,” the sheriff stated during a press briefing, adding that additional aspects of the scene — including the presence of personal items and her unattended phone — suggest possible abduction. Officials emphasised that Nancy has no known cognitive impairments and was mentally alert when last seen, but her physical limitations mean she could not have travelled far unassisted.
After initial search-and-rescue efforts using drones, helicopters, and K-9 units, the investigation has increasingly focused on criminal leads, with homicide detectives and federal partners, including the FBI and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, involved in reviewing surveillance footage and other evidence. Sheriff Nanos urged residents in surrounding neighbourhoods to share security camera footage that might shed light on movements in the hours after Nancy was last seen.
Savannah Guthrie has addressed the situation publicly, skipping her regular appearance on the Today show amid the family’s emergency and issuing a statement thanking law enforcement and the public for their support. In an Instagram post, she asked followers to “bring her home,” expressing gratitude for the messages of support and emphasizing her family’s focus on Nancy’s safe return.
Local authorities describe the case as highly unusual and are urging members of the community to report any potential sightings or information that could assist the investigation. As of early February 3, 2026, no suspects had been publicly identified, and Nancy’s whereabouts remained unknown, with the case continuing under active investigation.
Reference –
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/02/us/savannah-guthrie-mother-missing.html
