Authorities Release Images Of Masked Armed Suspect In Guthrie Case

Federal authorities on Tuesday unveiled newly obtained surveillance images and video that appear to show a masked, armed individual outside the Tucson, Arizona, home of Nancy Guthrie — the most significant public development to date in the investigation into her alleged kidnapping.

The images, first reported by The New York Post, include several still photographs and two video clips showing a person wearing a ski mask, gloves, a zipped jacket, and a backpack standing at the front entrance of the 84-year-old woman’s residence. The footage appears to capture the individual holding what looks like a firearm while approaching the home.

FBI Director Kash Patel shared several of the images publicly on social media as authorities renewed their urgent call for tips from the public.

A former FBI agent told The Post that the suspect’s body language and handling of the weapon suggested a lack of sophistication. The agent also noted what appeared to be a clumsy attempt to obstruct a Nest security camera, potentially indicating inexperience.

Nancy Guthrie — the mother of “Today” co-host Savannah Guthrie — vanished from her home during the early morning hours of February 1. Authorities have stated that she had been dropped off the evening prior by her son-in-law, Tommaso Cioni, following dinner with her daughter, Annie.

Until Tuesday’s release of the surveillance materials, law enforcement had not publicly identified any suspects or provided detailed information about a possible abductor.

The case escalated further after multiple ransom messages surfaced, including one demanding $6 million in bitcoin for Guthrie’s safe return. A Monday deadline for payment passed without confirmation that any ransom had been delivered or that her whereabouts were known.

Hours before the deadline expired, Savannah Guthrie issued another emotional plea on Instagram.

“We are at an hour of desperation,” she said in the video.

Director Patel once again urged the public to assist in the investigation, encouraging anyone with information to contact the FBI by calling 1 800 CALL FBI or submitting tips through tips.fbi.gov.

Authorities confirmed Tuesday night that a man detained earlier in the day in connection with the investigation was released without charges, according to ABC15.

The man, identified only as Carlos, told the outlet he and his wife became aware they were being followed before officers conducted a traffic stop.

Carlos stated that officers initiated a traffic stop, following which they took him in for questioning.

“I told them, I work in Tucson for GLS, I might have delivered a package to her house but I never kidnapped anybody,” he said.

Carlos said he was detained for several hours before being released.

In a separate development, ABC15 reported that investigators searched a home in Rio Rico. A woman at the residence said her son-in-law had also been detained during a traffic stop Tuesday.

The woman, who was not identified by name, told ABC15 reporter Lillian Donahue that investigators repeatedly entered her home, took photographs, and showed her surveillance footage from outside Nancy Guthrie’s residence to determine whether she recognized the individual shown.

“They showed me a video to see if it was him, to see if I recognized the things he was wearing; he doesn’t have any of that,” she said.

When asked whether the person in the footage resembled her son-in-law, she responded unequivocally.

“No, it doesn’t look like him,” she said.

The release of the surveillance footage marks a pivotal moment in the investigation, shifting public attention toward a tangible suspect image for the first time.

As the FBI intensifies its efforts under Director Patel’s leadership, the case underscores broader concerns about public safety and criminal accountability — particularly when ransom demands and digital communications are involved.

With President Donald J. Trump’s administration continuing to prioritize strong federal coordination in major criminal investigations during his second term, authorities are urging vigilance and public cooperation as they work to determine who the masked individual is — and what role they may have played in Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance.

For now, investigators are asking a simple but urgent question: Who is the person outside that door?