Nancy Guthrie abduction: FBI chief shares major update in Savannah's mother case

FBI Director Kash Patel has shared a major update in Savannah Guthrie mother Nancy abduction case, and doubled down on claims that local police delayed involving the FBI in the investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie.

Speaking to the NewsNation, Patel said that the FBI offered support to Pima County, Arizona, law enforcement as soon as Nancy was reported missing on February 1.

He said, “We showed up immediately and offered our assistance. We were not let in for four days. And that’s their choice.”

The agency’s director went on to claim, “We offered our assistance to go test the DNA. And it’s up to them. They chose to use a private laboratory.”

Sharing the major update on the case, Patel said that the FBI is continuing to assist the investigation, which remains unsolved.

“We continue to offer assistance,” he said. “I even visited our Tucson office, where we had 150 agents and analysts working on the Nancy Guthrie race to provide intelligence.”

Earlier, during an appearance on Sean Hannity's podcast last month, Patel had claimed Sheriff Chris Nanos tried to keep the FBI out of the investigation.

Responding to Patel’s remarks, a spokesperson for the Pima County Sheriff’s Department had said “Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos is aware of FBI Director Kash Patel’s recent interview and statement.

“Sheriff Nanos responded to the scene the night of the incident, providing immediate local leadership and oversight.”

The spokesperson continued, “A member of the FBI Task Force was also notified and present at that scene, working alongside our personnel. The FBI was promptly notified by both our department and the Guthrie family. While the FBI Director was not on scene, coordination with the Bureau began without delay.”