Ex-FBI Agent Questions if Savannah Guthrie’s Mom Was ‘Really Kidnapped’ as He Calls Out Those Trying to ‘Exploit the Situation’
The fact that there are more questions than answers when it comes to the disappearance of Savannah Guthrie’s mom has had some people throw some wild theories about what’s going on out there. It’s a little on par for the course for such a high-profile case, but it’s also important to remember that in such a sensitive investigation, it’s likely a lot is happening behind the scenes we’re just not privy to, because it might put Nancy Guthrie in danger.
But Former FBI Assistant Director Chris Swecker had some thoughts about the investigation, thoughts he decided to share publicly. During an appearance on Fox News’ “The Big Weekend Show” on Sunday, February 8, Swecker said, per the New York Post, “I’m very skeptical of this.”
Related: Who are Savannah Guthrie’s siblings?
“Is this really a kidnapping? Does somebody really have her, and is she really alive?” He said, adding, “If this was a kidnapping, it would be a very simple matter to authenticate and provide proof of life.”
“You have to allow for the possibility that this was something more or something other than a kidnapping.”
What does Swecker think is going on? Well, he pointed to the ransom, which reportedly went up from $1 million to $6 million, and said, “I really think there’s a third party here that’s just playing with them, opportunists who think they can exploit this situation.”
Nancy Guthrie went missing on Saturday, January 31, 2026. She had dinner with her daughter Annie that night, and is believed to have been taken sometime after 9:30 p.m. on that same night. When she didn’t show up for church the same day, her family checked on her only to find that her phone, wallet and keys were at home, but there was no sign of her.
Police have indicated she was taken “against her will.”
An alleged ransom note received by various news organizations reportedly said Nancy was “Ok, but scared” and that it was “in the best interest of everyone to have this completed as soon as possible.” The ransom requested was reportedly 6 million dollars.
The FBI said on Monday, February 9, according to NBC News, that they were “not aware of any continued communication between the Guthrie family and suspected kidnappers, nor have we identified a suspect or person of interest in this case at this time.”
Savannah Guthrie has been absent from the Today show since February 2. She and her siblings have posted on Instagram several times, pleading with potential abductors and the public at large.
On the latest video featuring Guthrie and her siblings, Savannah said, “We believe that somehow, some way, [Nancy] is feeling these prayers and that God is lifting her even in this moment and in this darkest place,” Savannah continued. “We believe our mom is still out there.”
The family had previously indicated they would pay the ransom. “We received your message and we understand,” a message posted on Saturday said. “We beg you now to return our mother to us so that we can celebrate with her. This is the only way we will have peace. This is very valuable to us and we will pay.”
