As Savannah Guthrie’s mother, Nancy, remains missing, the heads of the “Today” show have taken drastic measures to protect NBC staff.
Sources told US Sun on Tuesday that the network had decided to increase security and police presence at its New York City studio out of “an abundance of caution.”
“Things are tense in the studio, and as a result, NBC is increasing security for on-air talent,” a source told the station.
“NBC has partnered with the NYPD to ensure the safety of our staff in an extremely careful manner.”
A second insider confirmed that both police and private security are stationed at the Midtown store.
On Tuesday’s episode of “Today with Jenna & Shainelle,” Shainelle Jones confessed that “behind the scenes…we’re all reeling” as she continues to follow this story as a journalist and as a family.
“We’re all upset. We all realize we have a job to do. But you know, we’re a family here and it’s more than just what we say. We’re all a little upset.”
Jones went on to say that “many of us have been losing sleep” following the news that Nancy, 84, disappeared from her Arizona home, adding that she was “concerned” for Savannah’s mother.
“I woke up this morning and was nervous,” Jones said. And “the first thing she saw” was Savannah’s emotional appeal for help on social media.
“I promise you, this has given me peace,” she said. “Leave it to Savannah to tell us and remind us of who we are. If she can have faith and ask for a prayer in a moment like this, we will give it to her and let her remind us.”
Nancy was reported missing by her family on February 1st after she did not show up for church that morning.
It was later revealed that the last time the family had seen the matriarch was the night before, around 9:30pm local time, after a family dinner with her other daughter, Annie Guthrie.
A spokesperson for the Pima County Sheriff’s Office told Page Six that Savannah’s mother’s disappearance is being treated as a crime. They believed she had been “removed from her home against her will, probably in the middle of the night.”
“This includes the possibility of kidnapping and kidnapping,” they added. “This is an elderly woman in her mid-80s who is sick… She couldn’t go even 50 yards.”
Police also refuse to rule out a motive or explanation behind Nancy’s disappearance, including the existence of a “potential ransom note” sent to multiple retailers.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Office released a statement Tuesday saying it was “aware of reports circulating of a possible ransom note in connection with the Nancy Guthrie investigation.”
“We take all tips and leads very seriously,” the statement continued. “Everything that comes in goes directly to detectives working with the FBI.”
Authorities said Nancy “has high blood pressure, a pacemaker, and heart problems,” making finding her extremely urgent. She also takes medication daily to ensure her survival.
Savannah has withdrawn from hosting the Winter Olympics as she remains in Arizona with her family, a decision first reported by Page Six.
