Savannah Guthrie shut down rumors accusing her sister and brother-in-law of being involved in kidnapping her mother, Nancy Guthrie.
“[The FBI video was] just absolutely terrifying. It’s just totally terrifying,” Savannah, 54, said while addressing footage of the potential subject during an emotional sit-down with Today’s Hoda Kotb, which aired on Thursday, March 26. “I can’t imagine that that is who she saw standing over her bed. I can’t — it’s too much.”
Savannah expressed gratitude to investigators and tech companies for being “able to find that video” as the search for her mom continues.
“So I hope at least with people of good heart and compassion stop the irresponsible and cruel speculation that had started to swirl,” she noted. “I’m glad that people saw what came to our door.”
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When asked about the theories swirling online that Nancy’s kidnapper could be a family member, Savannah added, “It’s unbearable and it piles pain upon pain. There are no words. There are no words. I don’t understand, I’ll never understand.”
She continued: “And no one took better care of my mom than my sister and my brother-in-law. No one protected my mom more than my brother. We love her and she is our shining light. She is our matriarch. She’s all we have.”
Nancy, 84, was reported missing in Arizona in February. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has continued to offer updates on the case, more than 50 days into the search.
The FBI released footage last month of a person in a mask outside of Nancy’s home who appeared to have a gun, but authorities have reiterated that no suspect has been identified. (Nanos previously told Us Weekly that Savannah’s sister, Annie, was the last person to see Nancy before she went missing.)
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“At this point, investigators have not identified a suspect or person of interest in this case. Detectives continue to speak with anyone who may have had contact with Mrs. Guthrie,” a statement from the department read in February. “Detectives are working closely with the Guthrie family. While we appreciate the public’s concern, the sharing of unverified accusations or false information is irresponsible and does not assist the investigation.
The message concluded: “No suspect or person of interest has been identified at this time.”
Savannah and her siblings have shared several statements pleading for their mom’s safe return in the weeks since her disappearance. In a separate clip from her Today show interview, Savannah broke down in tears while speaking about her mother.
“Someone needs to do the right thing. We are in agony,” she shared about the “unbearable” pain of waiting for answers. “And to think of what she went through. I wake up every night in the middle of the night. Every night. And in the darkness, I imagine her terror. And it is unthinkable.”
