FBI Director Criticizes Pima County Authorities Over Handling of Nancy Guthrie Disappearance

Claims of Delayed Federal Intervention

FBI Director Kash Patel has publicly criticized the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, alleging that local law enforcement hindered federal efforts to assist in the investigation of Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance. Guthrie, the mother of Today show co-host Savannah Guthrie, went missing from her residence near Tucson on February 1.

In a recent interview with NewsNation, Patel stated that federal agents were prepared to intervene immediately upon learning of the incident. «We showed up immediately and offered our assistance. We were not let in for four days. And that’s their choice,» Patel remarked.

Controversy Over Forensic Evidence

The investigation has faced public scrutiny regarding several procedural decisions made by the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, currently headed by Sheriff Chris Nanos. A primary point of contention involves the handling of forensic evidence. Rather than utilizing the FBI’s advanced laboratory in Quantico, Virginia, local authorities opted to send DNA samples collected at the scene to a private facility in Florida.

Regarding this decision, Patel commented: «We offered our assistance to go test the DNA. And it’s up to them. They chose to use a private laboratory.»

Sheriff’s Department Response

In response to the allegations, a spokesperson for the Pima County Sheriff’s Department defended the agency's actions. According to the department, Sheriff Nanos arrived at the scene on the night of the incident to provide oversight. The spokesperson maintained that the FBI was kept in the loop from the start, stating: «A member of the FBI Task Force was also notified and present at that scene, working alongside our personnel. The FBI was promptly notified by both our department and the Guthrie family. While the FBI Director was not on scene, coordination with the Bureau began without delay.»

Ongoing Investigation and Family Appeal

While the case remains officially unsolved, Director Patel confirmed that the Bureau remains deeply involved in the search. He noted that he personally visited the FBI’s Tucson office to oversee the efforts of 150 agents and analysts dedicated to the case.

Savannah Guthrie, who recently returned to her hosting duties after a hiatus, continues to appeal for information. In a touching tribute posted to social media for Mother’s Day, she wrote: «Mother, daughter, sister, Nonie, we miss you with every breath. We will never stop looking for you. We will never be at peace until we find you.»