Billy Bush Calls on NBC to Pay $6 Million Ransom for Savannah Guthrie's Mother
Billy Bush, the former co-host of NBC's Today show, has publicly urged the network to pay a $6 million ransom demand for the safe return of Savannah Guthrie's mother, Nancy Guthrie. Speaking during an appearance on Fox News' The Sunday Briefing, Bush described the unfolding ordeal as surreal and emotionally devastating for his longtime friend and colleague.
Ransom Demand and NBC's Capability
Bush revealed that the ransom demand, which requires payment in bitcoin by Monday at 5:00 PM, was received by a local Arizona television station earlier this week. He expressed optimism about the situation, stating that the demand itself indicates Nancy Guthrie is likely alive and well. "The report is that Monday by 5:00 o'clock they want a $6 million bitcoin ransom; that means Nancy Guthrie is well," Bush said. He emphasized that the sum should be manageable for NBC, calling it a "quick-hit send" that the network should "easily" be able to pay.
Emotional Toll on Savannah Guthrie
The emotional impact on Savannah Guthrie has been profound, according to Bush. He pointed to a 22-second video she posted on Saturday night, in which she pleaded directly with her mother's abductors. In the video, Guthrie appeared alongside her siblings Camron and Annie, looking emotionally spent as she assured the kidnappers that the family had received their message and would cooperate. "We received your message and we understand," Savannah Guthrie said. "We beg you now to return our mother to us so that we can celebrate with her. This is the only way we will have peace. This is very valuable to us and we will pay."
Bush noted that in this latest video, Guthrie seemed "notably more beaten down, sad, wearing the same clothes as she was wearing in the first one," suggesting she has been getting little to no sleep since her mother's disappearance nine days ago.
Investigation and Search Efforts
Nancy Guthrie, 84, vanished from her home in Tucson, Arizona, on February 1, without her medication. Investigators believe she was kidnapped, though no suspects have been identified yet. The search has entered its eighth day, with law enforcement officials seen probing a septic tank at her property using a pole to check inside a manhole behind the house. An official vehicle has also been stationed outside the residence.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos stated on Friday night that he believes Nancy Guthrie is still alive and was removed from her home against her will. She was last seen on January 31 and was reported missing the following morning after failing to attend a church service.
Bush's Rationale for Paying the Ransom
Bush argued that paying the ransom is the only viable way to ensure Nancy Guthrie's safe return. He believes that once she is back home, authorities can move swiftly to track down the perpetrators and hold them accountable, facing what he termed the "ultimate consequence." He described the bizarre circumstances as feeling more like a fictional thriller than real life, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
The case continues to unfold, with the Guthrie family and investigators hoping for a resolution that brings Nancy home safely.
