Brzezinski Fights Tears Over Disappearance of ‘Dear Friend’ Savannah Guthrie’s Mom
MS NOW host Mika Brzezinski struggled to hold back tears Tuesday as co-hosts Joe Scarborough and Willie Geist discussed the disappearance of their “dear friend” Savannah Guthrie’s 84-year-old mother, a case that has rattled both media circles and the public.
Nancy Guthrie, the mother of the longtime “Today” show anchor, was reported missing Sunday. According to the Los Angeles Times, local authorities have raised serious concerns about “a possible kidnapping or abduction” after blood was discovered inside her Catalina Foothills home near Tucson.
“Of course, the one that hits you and Willie and me the most, obviously, has to do with Savannah and her mom,” Scarborough said during Tuesday’s broadcast of “Morning Joe.”
“She’s a dear friend of all of ours, and I know Willie has worked with her even more but you know she’s been friends of ours, well, since this show began. She was on the show regularly, and it’s just crushing news and we pray and have been praying without ceasing for her safe return.”
As Scarborough spoke, Brzezinski reached for a tissue, wiping her eyes while audibly sniffling on air.
MS NOW was recently rebranded following the left-wing cable network’s split from NBCUniversal. Guthrie, meanwhile, remains one of the flagship anchors of NBC’s “Today” and serves as the program’s chief legal correspondent, covering major elections and national political events.
“There’s no words for what’s happening here, but there are many prayers,” Brzezinski added emotionally.
Geist echoed the gravity of the situation, stressing the personal toll the case has taken.
“This is beyond unthinkable. Shocking doesn’t do it justice,” Geist said. “Nancy Guthrie, I’ve had the privilege of getting to know over the last 15 years. Just a kind, sweet, whip-smart, faithful woman, and none of us can believe this.”
As the investigation intensified, federal agents were seen Sunday searching a septic tank at Nancy Guthrie’s Tucson home—just hours before a reported $6 million ransom deadline set for Monday night. Witnesses observed deputies using a long pole to probe the tank while shining flashlights inside.
Adding to the mystery, law enforcement experts say a critical detail in the ransom note may suggest the authors are operating outside the United States. The note reportedly demanded payment in Bitcoin but specified the amount in U.S. dollars.
“Why would you use that if you’re a domestic person? That points to somebody who might be potentially outside the country, which also lends the potential for this being a scam,” former FBI agent Michael Harrigan told the New York Post.
“If you’re domestic, why would you ever put ‘USD?’ You put six million,” he added.
The alleged kidnappers set two deadlines—first at 5 p.m. MT on Thursday, with the demanded amount increasing if payment was delayed until a Monday deadline. Since the note was sent to news outlets last week, however, the sender has not contacted law enforcement or the Guthrie family directly, and investigators have not confirmed whether the messages are authentic.
Authorities say there are still no suspects, persons of interest, or suspect vehicles identified.
“Detectives and agents continue to conduct follow-up at multiple locations. Details of that follow-up are not being released at this time,” the Pima County Sheriff’s Department said Sunday.
Eight days after Nancy Guthrie vanished, the family made a direct public plea. On Saturday, Savannah Guthrie appeared in a video alongside her siblings, Camron and Annie, urging whoever may have their mother to bring her home.
“We beg you now to return our mother to us, so that we can celebrate with her,” Guthrie said.
“We received your message and we understand,” she added. “This is the only way we will have peace. This is very valuable to us, and we will pay.”