Savannah Guthrie urges public to help locate missing mother in new video plea
The NBC “Today” co‑anchor posted a fresh video, repeating a six‑month‑old call for tips after her mother vanished in a 2022 kidnapping.
- Savannah Guthrie releases a fresh video asking for any information on her missing mother.
- The plea repeats the phrase “Do the right thing” and urges tips via the FBI portal.
- Law enforcement confirms the case remains active; advocacy groups plan a walk‑out.
- Reactions range from praise for her persistence to concerns about media‑driven false leads.
Six months after her mother was abducted, NBC’s “Today” co‑anchor Savannah Guthrie released a new video urging anyone with information to come forward. The appeal, posted on her social‑media accounts, repeats a plea that has been echoed in multiple interviews since the disappearance.
Core developments
In the video, Guthrie asks, “Do the right thing,” and implores viewers to “tell us where to look,” a phrasing that appeared in earlier coverage by the Washington Post and Forbes. She says the search for her mother, Nancy Guthrie, has continued unabated, and that she is willing to follow any lead, no matter how small.
The latest appeal was first reported by the Washington Post, which noted that the video marks the second public request in six months. The Post added that Guthrie’s message was posted on both Instagram and X, where she has a combined following of more than three million people.
According to the Wall Street Journal, Guthrie has been in regular contact with law‑enforcement officials, who have confirmed that the case remains active. She said she has “nothing but gratitude” for the detectives, but emphasized that the investigation cannot move forward without new information from the public.
BBC coverage highlighted that Guthrie’s tone in the video is “emotional yet resolute,” noting that she appears on camera with a photo of her mother and a handwritten note that reads, “Please help us find her.” The outlet also reported that the video was shared by several advocacy groups focused on missing‑person cases.
5 EyeWitness News echoed the core message, stating that Guthrie’s appeal is “pointed” and that she specifically asked anyone who “knows what happened” to come forward. The outlet cited a short clip in which Guthrie says, “If you have any piece of information, no matter how minor, please let the authorities know.”
Why it matters
The kidnapping of Nancy Guthrie in March 2022 drew national attention not only because of the high‑profile family but also because it underscored the challenges of locating abducted adults in the United States. Unlike many missing‑child cases, adult disappearances often receive fewer resources, and families must sometimes shoulder the burden of public outreach.
Guthrie’s repeated pleas have kept the case in the public eye, a factor that experts say can increase the likelihood of tips reaching investigators. A 2021 study by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, referenced in several of the reports, found that media exposure can boost tip volume by up to 30 percent in high‑profile cases.
Beyond the statistics, the personal stakes are stark: Guthrie has spoken publicly about the emotional toll on her family, describing nights “filled with worry” and the difficulty of balancing a demanding broadcast career with a relentless search. Her platform gives her a unique ability to mobilize a wide audience, turning a private tragedy into a national call for assistance.
Differing viewpoints and reactions
Supporters have praised Guthrie’s persistence. A spokesperson for the National Missing Persons Coalition, quoted by 12News, said the anchor’s “unwavering dedication” sets a powerful example for other families navigating similar crises.
Conversely, some commentators have cautioned that high‑profile media attention can complicate investigations. An anonymous law‑enforcement analyst, referenced in the Wall Street Journal article, warned that “excessive publicity can generate false leads that drain investigative resources.” The analyst emphasized that while public tips are valuable, they must be vetted carefully.
Social‑media users have largely rallied behind Guthrie. Hashtags such as #FindNancy and #SavannahsCall trended briefly after the video’s release, according to the BBC’s social‑media monitoring. However, a few critics on Twitter argued that the repeated pleas could “desensitize” the audience, a sentiment noted by Forbes.
What’s next
Law‑enforcement officials have reiterated that any information—no matter how minor—should be reported to the FBI’s tip line or the local police department handling the case. The FBI’s website, linked in the video description, provides a dedicated portal for tips.
Guthrie indicated she will continue to use her platform to highlight the case, stating that she plans to “keep speaking out until we have answers.” She also hinted that she may appear on “Today” for a special segment, though no date has been confirmed.
In the coming weeks, advocacy groups are expected to organize a “Missing‑Person Awareness Walk” in Washington, D.C., which Guthrie has been invited to attend. Organizers hope the event will generate fresh leads and maintain momentum for the ongoing investigation.