Elizabeth Smart’s Father Explains Savannah Guthrie’s Public Plea to Kidnappers

The disappearance of Today anchor Savannah Guthrie’s mother, Nancy Guthrie, has drawn national attention. In the midst of the search, Guthrie and her siblings released emotional video messages directed at their mother’s abductors. Elizabeth Smart’s father, Ed Smart, recently explained why such public pleas are crucial in cases like this.

Why Speak Directly to Kidnappers

During a February 5 interview with Fox & Friends, Ed Smart emphasized the importance of communication. “Talking directly to those that have taken her, the abductors, is crucially important,” he said. “That they know that they’re trying to comply with everything that’s being said, that they want to resolve this and bring their mother home.”

Smart’s perspective comes from personal experience. In 2002, his daughter Elizabeth was kidnapped from her bedroom in Salt Lake City, Utah, at age 14. She was held captive for nine months before being rescued in 2003. His family’s ordeal shaped his understanding of how families can appeal to abductors in hopes of securing a safe return.

Guthrie Family’s Plea

On February 4, Savannah Guthrie, along with her siblings Anne and Camron, posted a video on Instagram pleading with Nancy’s captors. “We need to know without a doubt that she is alive and that you have her,” Savannah said. “We want to hear from you, and we are ready to listen. Please reach out to us.” A follow-up video featured Camron speaking directly to the kidnappers: “We haven’t heard anything directly. We need you to reach out, and we need a way to communicate with you so we can move forward. But first, we have to know that you have our mom.”

The Search for Nancy Guthrie

Nancy Guthrie, 84, was last seen on January 31 at her Tucson home. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department declared her residence a crime scene, stating she was taken “against her will.” Investigators continue their search, and reports suggest ransom notes have been received.

Offering Hope

Ed Smart explained that even if Nancy cannot hear the videos, the effort matters. “It’s hard to know whether Nancy can hear or not, but it’s important to make that effort,” he said. “Bringing her hope in a very difficult time and keeping her hopes up that this is going to be resolved, and she’ll be back with her family, nothing could be more important.” As the investigation continues, Guthrie’s family remains steadfast in their appeals, hoping their public pleas will reach the abductors and lead to Nancy’s safe return.