The FBI has released disturbing new surveillance images in the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, who has been missing since January 31, 2026.

Nancy was last seen after having dinner with her daughter, Anne, and her son-in-law, who dropped her off at her Tucson home at approximately 9:48 p.m. What happened in the hours that followed remains at the center of an intense, nationwide search.

Now, more than ten days later, investigators say they have uncovered what could be the first significant breakthrough.

Masked Figure Caught on Camera

The newly recovered images show a masked and armed individual outside Nancy’s home in the early morning hours of the day she vanished. According to authorities, the footage appears to capture the suspect tampering with a video doorbell camera.

In a public statement, FBI Director Kash Patel said:

“Over the last eight days, the FBI and Pima County Sheriff’s Department have been working closely with our private sector partners to continue to recover any images or video footage from Nancy Guthrie’s home that may have been lost, corrupted, or inaccessible due to a variety of factors – including the removal of recording devices.”

He added that the footage was retrieved from residual backend system data.

“Working with our partners – as of this morning, law enforcement has uncovered these previously inaccessible new images showing an armed individual appearing to have tampered with the camera at Nancy Guthrie’s front door the morning of her disappearance.”

The FBI is urging anyone with information to contact 1-800-CALL-FBI or submit tips through its official website.

The images show the individual wearing a balaclava, gloves, a zipped jacket, and a backpack. In one frame, the suspect appears to position a plant in front of the camera, seemingly attempting to obstruct its view.

Ransom Demands and National Reaction

The case has grown even more alarming following reports of a ransom demand totaling $6 million in bitcoin. Two deadlines connected to the demand have now passed. Authorities have stated that the note did not specify what would happen if payment was not made.

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that President Donald Trump has been closely monitoring developments. Speaking at a press briefing, she described his reaction after viewing the footage:

“His initial reaction, of course, as all Americans, is just pure disgust. And again, it’s heartbreaking to see now this footage really bring to life a story we’ve all been reading about.”

She added:

“We’re just praying for the safety of Nancy Guthrie and that she will return home soon, and the president directed me to please encourage all Americans with any information to call the FBI.”

The footage has intensified public interest and online discussion. Social media users have scrutinized the suspect’s visible eye area, debating whether the eyebrow shape and eye structure suggest the individual may be female.

“Arched eyebrows. I would say female,” one commenter wrote.

“Eyes look like a woman’s eyes to me,” another added.

Others have pointed to the suspect’s posture and walking style, arguing the gait appears more masculine. Some viewers claim they can detect the outline of facial hair beneath the mask.

At this time, law enforcement has not confirmed the gender of the person seen in the footage.

Expert Analysis Raises Questions

Former FBI agent Mark Harrigan, who previously led the bureau’s Firearms Training Program, offered analysis of the suspect’s handling of a firearm seen in the video.

“This is a very non-conventional way to carry a firearm. Very non-conventional,” Harrigan told the New York Post.

He noted that the suspect appeared to holster the weapon at the front of the body.

“He has it in the open, which is unusual, because normally you would want it concealed when you’re going to do a crime, so you’re not calling attention to yourself with an exposed firearm.”

Harrigan suggested that this could indicate inexperience.

“That’s potentially somebody that’s not normally armed or carrying a firearm around in public. Normally, you’d have it on the hip.”

He added that the suspect may have initially concealed the weapon in a backpack before repositioning it near the door.

Brief Detention and Ongoing Investigation

Earlier this week, a Tucson man named Carlos was briefly detained and questioned in connection with the case. He later told reporters:

“I told them, I work in Tucson for GLS, I might have delivered a package to her house but I never kidnapped anybody. They hold me from 4:00 p.m. till now.”

He was released without charge.

Meanwhile, Savannah Guthrie, the Today show host and Nancy’s daughter, has repeatedly addressed the public alongside her family. In an emotional Instagram message posted shortly before a ransom deadline, she said:

“We are at an hour of desperation. We received your message and we understand. We beg you now to return our mother to us, so that we can celebrate with her.”

Addressing the suspected abductor directly, she added:

“This is the only way we will have peace. This is very valuable to us, and we will pay.”

A Personal Connection?

Former FBI profiler Candice DeLong offered perspective on kidnappings involving elderly victims, noting that many cases involve someone known to the victim.

“There is one thing I’d like to add about kidnapping of elderly people, especially people over 80. In the vast majority of cases, the offender is known to the victim.”

Authorities continue to review tips, analyze footage, and investigate leads. Officials say they are being flooded with information following the release of the images.

As the search enters its eleventh day, law enforcement hopes the newly recovered footage will lead to a breakthrough — and, ultimately, Nancy Guthrie’s safe return.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the FBI immediately.