The mum of Today show host Savannah Guthrie has been missing since Saturday (31 January) after police came across an alleged ransom note.
Pima County sheriff Chris Nanos believes that Nancy Guthrie, 84, was abducted in the middle of the night from her home in Tucson, Arizona.
A ransom note sent to multiple outlets is offering the 84-year-old's release in exchange for millions in Bitcoin.
While authorities are investigating the letter, its authenticity has yet to been confirmed. Nanos said his office is 'aware' of reports about 'possible ransom note(s)', and it is 'taking all tips and leads very seriously'.
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In a video posted on Instagram, Savannah and her siblings said they are 'ready to talk' to whoever has kidnapped their mum, but need 'proof of life' first.
“We, too, have heard reports about a ransom letter in the media,” Savannah - who has been absent from her show - said in the emotional clip on Wednesday evening.
“As a family, we are doing everything that we can. We are ready to talk.
“However, we live in a world where voices and images are easily manipulated.
“We need to know, without a doubt, that she is alive and that you have her.”
After watching the video, former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe believes that it looks like the family is yet to receive a 'legitimate ransom demand'.
“To me, it reads like an effort to establishment some sort of communication,” he explained to CNN.
“We don’t know this for sure, but I feel this is a fairly strong signal they don’t believe they’ve had a legitimate ransom demand yet.
“What you hear the family saying is ‘We’re ready to talk, reach out to us, we just want to know you have our mother'.”
McCabe noted that’s 'not something that you would do if already in negotiations with someone that you actually thought had the victim'.
According to a 'missing person' poster, Nancy is a 'vulnerable adult' who was staying at her residence near East Skyline Drive and North Campbell Avenue. She is 5' 5", 150 lbs with brown hair and blue eyes. Police don't know 'what clothing she may be wearing'.
"At this point, investigators have not identified a suspect or person of interest in this case," Sheriff Nanos confirmed.
"Detectives continue to speak with anyone who may have had contact with Mrs Guthrie. 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.
"No suspect or person of interest has been identified at this time."
Donald Trump has called the case a 'very unusual situation' and wrote on Truth Social that he has 'spoken with Savannah Guthrie'.
The US president said he is 'directing ALL Federal Law Enforcement to be at the family’s, and Local Law Enforcement’s, complete disposal, IMMEDIATELY'.
"We are deploying all resources to get her mother home safely," Trump added. "The prayers of our Nation are with her and her family. GOD BLESS AND PROTECT NANCY!"
Anish Vij