Sheriff Nanos Challenges FBI Director Patel on Nancy Guthrie Search

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos publicly accused FBI Director Kash Patel of disseminating inaccurate information about the investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, 84. Patel had asserted that local investigators were slow to involve the FBI, a claim Nanos labeled “not even accurate” and described Patel as “misinformed.” Nanos emphasized that the FBI was present “day one” alongside his team and that the Violent Crime Task Force was notified immediately after the search-and-rescue unit flagged evidence. He added that he and Patel have never met, underscoring the lack of direct communication between the two agencies.

The Hill

Nancy Guthrie, mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie, was reported missing from her Tucson, Arizona, home on February 1, 2026. The case has drawn national attention, prompting extensive search efforts and media coverage.

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Sheriff Nanos stated that the same investigative team has worked on the case continuously and meets daily. He confirmed that investigators are employing both standard DNA analysis and familial-genealogy techniques, suggesting the person responsible may still be in the Tucson area. When asked whether he believes Guthrie is dead, Nanos declined to make a determination, noting there is “no proof of her death” and that he shares the family’s hope that she may still be alive. Patel’s earlier remarks, as reported, implied that local authorities delayed notifying federal officials, a point Nanos contested by citing a press conference held the day after the scene was processed, during which FBI officials from Phoenix and Tucson field offices stood on stage with him.

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• $1 million reward offered by the Guthrie family.

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• $100,000 reward offered by the FBI.

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• $102,500 reward offered by 88-CRIME.

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Tips for anyone with information include calling the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or the Pima County Sheriff’s Department at 520-351-4900.

NewsNationThe Hill

• “They were there day one just as my team was,” — County Sheriff Chris Nanos, at FBI director

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