“We believe that somehow, some way, she is feeling these prayers and that God is lifting her even in this moment and in this darkest place,” Guthrie said. “We believe our mom is still out there.”
Savannah Guthrie asked the public on Monday for help as the search continues for her 84-year-old mother, who was abducted now over a week ago.
In a new video posted to Instagram, the TODAY co-anchor spoke directly to viewers, thanking supporters for their prayers while urging anyone with information to contact authorities. Guthrie said her family believes her mother, Nancy Guthrie, is still alive.
“We believe that somehow, some way, she is feeling these prayers and that God is lifting her even in this moment and in this darkest place,” Guthrie said. “We believe our mom is still out there.”
Guthrie said law enforcement is continuing to work around the clock, but emphasized that investigators need help from the public. She said her mother was taken and her family does not know where she is being held.
“I’m coming on just to ask you, not just for your prayers, but no matter where you are, even if you’re far from Tucson, if you see anything, you hear anything, if there’s anything at all that seems strange to you, that you report to law enforcement,” she said. “We are at an hour of desperation, and we need your help.”
The video follows an earlier message released Saturday in which Guthrie and her family addressed whoever may be holding her mother. “We received your message and we understand,” Guthrie said in that post. “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.”
Guthrie did not explain the message referenced in the video. However, local outlet KOLD-TV and TMZ have reported receiving ransom notices tied to the case. ABC affiliate KGUN9 revealed that the ransom note they received for the older Guthrie demanded $6 million in the crypto. JJ McKinney, spokesperson for the outlet, said, "Multiple ransom notes have been sent out to the media, including one that was sent to us. In the letter, the potential kidnappers demanded that the Guthries pay them $6 million before this Monday."
A ransom note was also received by TMZ and there were two deadlines listed in the notes, Monday being the second of these. The note indicates that Guthrie's life is in peril if the 5 pm Monday deadline is not met.
Libby’s Desk
Commentary and must-reads from Libby’s desk, straight to your inbox.
TPM Newsletter
The Post Millennial’s top stories, delivered to your inbox.
