FBI Provided 'Consultation' For Savannah Guthrie’s Plea to Mom’s Alleged Kidnapper, But Final Message Is 'Family's Decision'

The 'Today' host and her siblings released a tearful video responding to an alleged ransom note they received following their mom Nancy's disappearance

NEED TO KNOW

• The FBI says it provided “consultation” to Savannah Guthrie and her siblings before they recorded a tearful appeal to whoever may be responsible for their mother Nancy’s disappearance
• The video was released after an alleged ransom note was sent to media outlets and later turned over to law enforcement
• Authorities stressed that despite the FBI’s involvement, any messages released to the public are “ultimately the family’s decision”

New details have emerged about Savannah Guthrie’s emotional public plea to whoever may be responsible for the disappearance of her mother, Nancy.

During a press conference in Tucson, Ariz., on Thursday, Feb. 5, FBI Special Agent in Charge Heith Janke said the bureau provided “consultation” to the Today host, 54, and her siblings before they recorded a video responding to a ransom note that had been sent to several media outlets and later turned over to law enforcement.

“I would say we use our expertise and provide consultation,” Janke said when asked whether the FBI was involved in creating the Guthrie family’s video message, which Savannah posted on Instagram Wednesday night. Janke was seen outside Guthrie’s sister Annie’s home earlier that evening carrying a tripod.

Janke stressed that while investigators can offer guidance in cases involving potential abductions, families ultimately control what they choose to say publicly.

“Anytime a family would ask for our advice, it’s ultimately the family’s decision what they put out and any messages they put out,” he said. “We were there last night and talking with the family, but every decision is theirs.”

Former FBI Special Agent Tracy Walder, who is not involved in the Nancy Guthrie case, told PEOPLE the bureau’s involvement is routine.

“That is a very normal thing that you would do in a situation like this because the FBI wants to be able to have a unifying message,” she explains. “It's actually a good thing.”

As for the specific wording of the message, Walder says, “Savannah Guthrie is obviously a pro at public speaking and doing the news. She could have made a plea herself. But you see [her and her siblings] clearly reading from a paper. I believe there could be some coded words that they used in there that the FBI told them to use that the ransom notes talked about.”

In her Instagram video captioned "Bring her home," Savannah, her sister Annie and her brother Camron read from a prepared statement, speaking directly to their mom Nancy's potential abductor.

"We, too, have heard the reports about a ransom letter in the media," Savannah said. "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. We want to hear from you, and we are ready to listen. Please, reach out to us."

Savannah added that Nancy is "our heart and our home," before expressing concern about her mother's well-being.

"She is 84 years old," Savannah said. "Her health, her heart is fragile. She lives in constant pain. She is without any medicine. She needs it to survive. She needs it not to suffer."

Savannah also expressed her family's gratitude for all of the support they have received as they try to find their mother.

"On behalf of our family, we want to thank all of you for the prayers for our beloved mom, Nancy," the morning show host said. "We feel them, and we continue to believe that she feels them too. Our mom is a kind, faithful, loyal, fiercely loving woman of goodness and light. She is funny, spunky, and clever. She has grandchildren that adore her and crowd around her and cover her in kisses. She loves fun and adventure. She is a devoted friend. She is full of kindness and knowledge. Talk to her and you'll see."

"Mommy, if you are hearing this, you are a strong woman," Savannah added. "You are God's precious daughter, Nancy. We believe and know that even in this valley He is with you. Everyone is looking for you mommy, everywhere. We will not rest. Your children will not rest until we are together again. We speak to you every moment and we pray without ceasing and we rejoice in advance for the day that we hold you in our arms again. We love you."

"The light is missing from our lives," Annie said. "Nancy is our mother. We are her children. She is our beacon. She holds fast to joy in all of life's circumstances. She chooses joy, day after day. Despite already having passed through great trials of pain and grief, we are always going to be merely human. Just normal human people who need our mom. Mama, mama, if you're listening, we need you to come home. We miss you."

Camron concluded the video, saying, "We love you, mama. Stay strong."

Nancy was reported missing from her home in Arizona at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 1, prompting an urgent search for her whereabouts. According to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department (PCSD), she was last seen by family members around 9:30 p.m. local time on Saturday, Jan. 31.

During Thursday's press conference, the FBI announced they were offering a reward of up to $50,000 "for information leading to the recovery of Nancy Guthrie and or the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in her disappearance."

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Referring to the alleged ransom note, Janke said there was a Feb. 5 deadline of 5 p.m. and another deadline for Monday, Feb. 9. "Those are the timeframes we are looking at as we move forward," he said.

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said that authorities "believe Nancy is still out there" and "we want her home.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department at 520-351-4900. People are encouraged to call 88-CRIME or 520-882-7463. All calls remain anonymous. They can also use the mobile app P3TIPS or visit 88crime.org.

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