Trump and Sheriff Disagree on FBI Role in Nancy Guthrie Case

There are different stories about the FBI helping with the search for Nancy Guthrie. President Trump said local police waited too long to ask for help. Sheriff Nanos says his team worked with the FBI from the start. The search for Nancy Guthrie is still happening.
By Newsroom | Crime, Arizona |

Reports suggest a discrepancy between President Donald Trump's remarks on the FBI's role in the Nancy Guthrie case and statements made by Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos. While Trump indicated local authorities were hesitant to relinquish control, Sheriff Nanos has maintained a cooperative stance with federal agencies.

The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, mother of "Today" show host Savannah Guthrie, has drawn significant attention. Local law enforcement, primarily the Pima County Sheriff's Department, has been leading the investigation. Reports and statements from various sources suggest varying degrees of cooperation and potential friction between local and federal entities, particularly the FBI. President Trump has offered his perspective on why the FBI's involvement was delayed, while Sheriff Nanos has worked to clarify the situation and address public concerns.

Guthrie Case Update: Trump Weighs in As Sheriff Nanos Disputes Reports of Major Friction With FBI - 1

Evidence and Law Enforcement Actions

Information gathered from multiple reports details the ongoing investigation into Nancy Guthrie's disappearance.

Read More: Three People Taken in Police Action Near Missing Woman's Home

  • Evidence Recovery: Sheriff Nanos stated that DNA was collected from several gloves and other items found within a 10-mile radius of Guthrie's home. No gloves were recovered from her residence.

  • Detained Individual: An individual who identified himself as Carlos, detained for questioning earlier in the week, has been released. Sheriff Nanos indicated this individual is not entirely cleared, despite the lack of current law enforcement restrictions.

  • Property Search: Law enforcement, including the FBI and Pima County sheriffs, revisited Nancy Guthrie's home. Crime scene tape was observed, and the property was thoroughly searched.

  • Communication: A potential ransom note was reportedly sent to TMZ, suggesting Nancy Guthrie might no longer be in Tucson. A local TV station also stated it received information about Guthrie and provided it to authorities.

  • Family Involvement: Savannah Guthrie and her siblings, Camron Guthrie and Annie Guthrie, released a video pleading for their mother's safe return.

Contrasting Accounts of FBI and Local Agency Relations

President Trump and Sheriff Nanos have presented differing perspectives on the relationship between local authorities and the FBI in the Guthrie investigation.

Read More: Unknown DNA Found at Home of Missing Nancy Guthrie

Guthrie Case Update: Trump Weighs in As Sheriff Nanos Disputes Reports of Major Friction With FBI - 2

"Local authorities 'didn’t want to let go'." - Donald Trump

President Trump stated that local authorities were hesitant to let go of the investigation, implying this was the reason the FBI did not immediately take a lead role. He suggested that the FBI has now stepped in due to this reluctance.

Sheriff Nanos has denied allegations of withholding evidence, calling them unfounded. He stated his department contacted the FBI shortly after Guthrie vanished and emphasized that cooperation has been smooth. He also clarified that no glove was recovered at Guthrie's Tucson property during initial search efforts.

Sheriff Nanos has actively dispelled rumors of conflict. He has affirmed consistent cooperation with the FBI since the initial report of Guthrie's disappearance. His statements suggest a collaborative effort rather than a dispute over jurisdiction or evidence.

Read More: Police Activity Near Nancy Guthrie's Home Continues

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Scrutiny on Sheriff Nanos

The Nancy Guthrie case has placed Sheriff Nanos under considerable public and media scrutiny.

Sheriff Nanos acknowledged the intense focus on his handling of the investigation, noting that his long career in law enforcement has not prepared him for this level of attention. He stated he is committed to solving the case and admitted that his methods have at times fallen short of expectations.

Guthrie Case Update: Trump Weighs in As Sheriff Nanos Disputes Reports of Major Friction With FBI - 4

Conclusion and Ongoing Efforts

The investigation into Nancy Guthrie's disappearance is ongoing, with various agencies involved.

  • President Trump has commented on the FBI's late involvement, suggesting local authorities' initial reluctance to cede control.

  • Sheriff Nanos has refuted claims of friction and withholding evidence, emphasizing smooth cooperation with the FBI.

  • Law enforcement continues to gather evidence, including DNA samples, and pursue leads.

  • The Guthrie family has publicly appealed for their mother's return.

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The situation highlights the complex dynamics of multi-agency investigations and the challenges of managing public perception during sensitive cases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What did President Trump say about the FBI?
President Trump said local police did not want to let the FBI take over the case at first. He said this made the FBI's help come later.
Q: What did Sheriff Nanos say?
Sheriff Nanos said his department has worked with the FBI since the beginning. He said they have cooperated well and that claims of problems are not true.
Q: What is happening in the Nancy Guthrie case?
Police are still looking for Nancy Guthrie. They have collected DNA and searched places. Her family has asked for her safe return.