FBI Scales Back Tucson Search and Shifts Investigation Into Nancy Guthrie Abduction to Phoenix Headquarters

After nearly four weeks of intensive investigation, the FBI has adjusted its strategy in the search for 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie in Tucson, Arizona.

Sources with knowledge of the case told ABC News that agents will now operate primarily out of Phoenix, over 100 miles away, while a smaller team remains in Tucson to support local authorities.

Officials insist that this move does not signal any reduction in commitment to finding Nancy.

Nancy, the mother of Savannah Guthrie of the Today show, disappeared from her Tucson home in the early hours of February 1 under circumstances that have left the nation shaken. To date, no suspects have been named, and no arrests have been made.

Early Evidence Suggests Abduction

Investigators have concluded that Nancy was taken against her will.

Early evidence included drops of blood found on the front porch of her home and surveillance footage from her Nest doorbell camera showing a masked individual outside her door.

Shortly after, Nancy’s pacemaker stopped transmitting data to her iPhone, raising further alarms about her welfare.

Despite extensive searches of her home and yard, agents determined there was no additional evidence to recover at the residence.

The activity seen Wednesday at her Tucson home was largely related to returning control of the property to the Guthrie family, according to NBC News.

Phoenix Headquarters Becomes Central Command

The FBI’s relocation to Phoenix makes sense logistically.

Phoenix hosts the largest FBI office in Arizona, allowing agents to centralize operations, analyze evidence, and manage the high volume of tips efficiently.

In Tucson, Pima County deputies continue localized searches with federal assistance, while Phoenix-based agents focus on reviewing security footage, DNA samples, and even Walmart sales receipts that may provide leads.

Family Offers $1 Million Reward

The Guthrie family has taken a public stance to encourage tips from the community.

Savannah Guthrie announced in an Instagram video that the family is offering a $1 million reward for information leading to Nancy’s recovery.

Savannah also acknowledged the painful possibility that her mother may have passed away, stating:

“We also know that she may be lost, she may already be gone.

She may have already gone home to the Lord that she loves.

But we need to know where she is. We need her to come home.”

Since the announcement, authorities reported an initial surge of tips, although calls have since slowed.

Unprecedented Public and Media Attention

The case has captivated national attention, not only because of Nancy’s high-profile daughter but also due to the disturbing circumstances surrounding her disappearance.

Social media, traditional news outlets, and community networks have all contributed to the outpouring of information, tips, and public concern.

Investigators are meticulously tracking over 1,500 tips received so far, showing the scale and complexity of the case.

Impact and Consequences

The scaling back in Tucson and consolidation in Phoenix has several consequences:

• Operational Efficiency: Centralizing in Phoenix allows investigators to analyze high volumes of evidence and tips more effectively.

• Public Perception: While some may misinterpret the move as a slowdown, officials emphasize continued commitment to the search.

• Community Involvement: The $1 million reward and media coverage heighten public awareness and may generate crucial leads.

• Pressure on Suspects: Any individual involved now faces amplified scrutiny due to national attention.

What’s Next?

Investigators are expected to continue combing through digital evidence, reviewing security footage, examining DNA, and following financial and retail activity that could provide clues.

Pima County deputies will maintain ground searches in Tucson, and the Guthrie family hopes that continued media coverage and the reward will motivate anyone with information to come forward.

The case remains active, and authorities are urging anyone who knows anything to contact law enforcement immediately.

Summary

After nearly a month of searching, the FBI has shifted the main operation in the Nancy Guthrie case from Tucson to Phoenix while continuing some field efforts locally.

Nancy, mother of Today show host Savannah Guthrie, was abducted from her home on February 1, and no suspects have been identified.

A $1 million reward has been offered for information leading to her recovery, as investigators scrutinize footage, DNA, and over 1,500 public tips.

Bulleted Takeaways

• Nancy Guthrie, 84, was abducted from her Tucson home on February 1.

• FBI relocates main operations to Phoenix while some agents remain in Tucson.

• No suspects have been named and no arrests have been made.

• Evidence includes blood drops, Nest camera footage of a masked individual, and pacemaker data loss.

• Savannah Guthrie publicly announced a $1 million reward for information leading to recovery.

• Investigators have received over 1,500 tips to date.

• Pima County deputies continue active searches in Tucson.

• FBI in Phoenix will manage digital evidence and large-scale tip analysis.

• Family acknowledges the possibility Nancy may already be deceased but seeks closure.

• The case has drawn nationwide attention due to the high-profile nature of the family.