US news anchor Savannah Guthrie and her siblings have posted an emotional video where they address whoever could have abducted their mother.
“We are ready to talk,” the NBC presenter says in the video posted to Instagram. “We need to know without a doubt that she is alive and that you have her. We want to hear from you and we are ready to listen.”
The clip comes amid a search for 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, who went missing in the middle of the night over the weekend.
Authorities in Arizona have said they received a copy of a possible ransom note and were working with the FBI to authenticate it.
The Today show host, flanked by her sister Annie and brother Cameron, was emotional and teared up several times throughout the video posted on Wednesday night.
“Mommy, if you are hearing this, you are a strong woman,” she said, her voice breaking.
“Everyone is looking for you, mommy. Everywhere. We will not rest. Your children will not rest until we are together again.”
Investigators in Arizona, where Nancy went missing, said they have not yet identified a suspect and have pleaded for the public’s help.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has described an all-hands-on-deck search that has included dogs, drones, helicopters and the FBI.
Shortly after the video was posted, US President Donald Trump commented on Truth Social about the case.
He said he was directing all federal law enforcement to help bring the matter to a close and “get her mother home safely”.
“I spoke with Savannah Guthrie, and let her know that I am directing ALL Federal Law Enforcement to be at the family’s, and Local Law Enforcement’s, complete disposal, IMMEDIATELY,” he said, adding that the nation was praying for her and her family.
Nancy Guthrie was last seen at her home in Catalina Foothills, an affluent neighbourhood roughly six miles (10km) north-east of Tucson, on Saturday evening, when family members dropped her off around 21:30 local time.
She did not attend church on Sunday morning, which concerned members of her congregation. They notified family, which led to authorities being involved.
When detectives searched her home, they found a scene that caused “grave concern,” Sheriff Nanos said. He refused to elaborate on what was found.
“We do believe that Nancy was taken from her home against her will. And that’s where we’re at,” he said.
He would not comment on reports about blood found in the home.
Sheriff’s officials have asked people to stop sharing unverified information about the case.
By BBC News
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