President Trump Announces 'Strong Clues' in Nancy Guthrie Abduction Investigation
President Donald Trump has revealed that federal investigators have discovered 'very strong' clues in the abduction of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of Today co-anchor Savannah Guthrie. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Friday night, Trump indicated that authorities may be closing in on answers after days of intense investigation and growing public concern.
'I'm Talking About a Solution'
'I think we are doing very well,' Trump stated regarding the federal response. 'You're probably surprised to hear that. We have some clues that I think are very strong, and I think we could have some answers coming up fairly soon.' The president emphasized that investigators may be moving beyond simply searching for the missing 84-year-old and toward identifying those responsible. 'I'm not talking about a search. I'm talking about a solution,' Trump declared. 'We have some things I think that will maybe come out reasonably soon from DOJ or FBI or whoever.'
Trump added that developments had occurred rapidly, explaining that 'a lot of things have happened with regard to that horrible situation in the last couple of hours.' When pressed by reporters about whether authorities had identified a suspect, Trump replied: 'Yeah. Could be definitive.'
Intensified Investigation at Tucson Home
The president's comments came as federal and local investigators significantly intensified their efforts at Nancy Guthrie's Tucson-area home. On Friday evening, authorities closed off the road and deployed forensic teams to search for new evidence. Investigators were seen placing fresh evidence markers around the property, including near hedges and on the roof, as they worked to reconstruct what happened in the early morning hours of Sunday when she vanished.
DNA tests have confirmed that blood found outside her front door belonged to Nancy Guthrie. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos stated this discovery indicated she had been injured during the abduction. 'It is concerning, it's actually almost disappointing because you've got your hopes up,' Nanos said regarding the investigation's challenges.
Critical Surveillance Gap and Ransom Messages
The investigation has been complicated by a critical gap in surveillance footage. Nancy Guthrie's doorbell camera was disconnected shortly before 2am, but because she did not have an active subscription, investigators were unable to recover any video. 'Moments after the camera went offline, software data recorded movement at the home,' Nanos explained. 'Shortly afterward, Guthrie's pacemaker connection was also lost, likely as she was taken from the property.'
Authorities are examining ransom messages sent to media organizations, including TMZ and local television station KOLD. Officials confirmed they were reviewing a second letter sent to KOLD on Friday morning, which appeared to be linked to the same individual or individuals who had previously claimed responsibility for the abduction. The FBI said it was assessing the authenticity of the message but declined to reveal its contents.
TMZ founder Harvey Levin said one note suggested the abductors were attempting to negotiate. 'I will say the letter begins by saying she is safe but scared, and they go on to say she knows exactly what the demand is,' Levin explained. FBI officials noted at least one message referenced details from Guthrie's home, including a floodlight and an Apple Watch.
Vehicle of Interest Identified
Authorities have identified a 'vehicle of interest' connected to the investigation after a tip led investigators to surveillance footage from a Circle K convenience store in the Tucson area. The store confirmed it was cooperating fully with law enforcement. Despite these developments, officials emphasize they have not identified any suspects and have not ruled anyone out.
Medical Concerns and Family Appeals
As the investigation enters its seventh day, officials express increasing concern about Nancy Guthrie's medical condition. She has a pacemaker and other serious health conditions that require daily treatment. 'Her conditions, I would imagine, are worsening day by day,' Sheriff Nanos stated. 'She requires medication. And I have no way of knowing whether they're getting that medication to her.'
Earlier this week, Savannah Guthrie and her siblings Annie and Camron made emotional public appeals, urging whoever took their mother to contact them. 'Whoever is out there holding our mother, we want to hear from you,' Camron Guthrie said in a video message. Savannah had previously emphasized the family's need for proof: 'We need to know without a doubt that she is alive and that you have her.'
Confidence in the Investigation
Despite the challenges and uncertainty, Sheriff Nanos expressed confidence in the ongoing effort to find Nancy Guthrie. 'We're gonna find her,' he insisted. The FBI has offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to Guthrie's rescue, treating the ransom messages as serious leads while continuing to pursue all available evidence in this high-stakes investigation.
