FBI Agent Advises Savannah Guthrie Against Paying Ransom for Missing Mother

Experts say proof of life is crucial before negotiating with kidnappers

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A former top FBI special agent has cautioned Savannah Guthrie and her family against paying a $6 million ransom for her missing mother Nancy, at least until the supposed kidnappers provide proof that she is still alive. Michael Harrigan, who oversaw the FBI National Academy, told The New York Post that "proof of life is everything" and the family should seek a dialogue with the kidnappers before sending any money.

Why it matters

The Guthrie family's high-profile case highlights the difficult decisions families face when loved ones are kidnapped, as experts warn that paying ransoms without proof can embolden criminals and put others at risk. The FBI advises against paying ransoms, but families are often torn between following that guidance and trying to save a life.

The details

Savannah Guthrie and her siblings released a video on Saturday saying they were ready to pay the $6 million ransom demanded by the kidnappers. However, the initial ransom note provided no proof that Nancy Guthrie was still alive or even in the captors' hands. A second deadline to pay the ransom in bitcoin is set for 5 p.m. MT on Monday, but the former FBI agent says "if there's no two-way here, no good comes of sending the money."

  • The initial ransom note was sent to several news outlets last week.
  • The second deadline to pay the $6 million ransom is set for 5 p.m. MT on Monday, February 10, 2026.

The players

Savannah Guthrie

A television journalist and co-anchor of the Today show, whose mother Nancy has been kidnapped.

Nancy Guthrie

The mother of Savannah Guthrie who has been kidnapped and held for a $6 million ransom.

Michael Harrigan

A former top FBI special agent who oversaw the FBI National Academy and is advising against paying the ransom without proof of life.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Proof of life is everything. They need to have a dialogue, and the family's looking for a dialogue with these kidnappers.”

— Michael Harrigan, Former FBI Special Agent (The New York Post)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the Guthrie family to pay the ransom without proof of life.

The takeaway

This high-profile kidnapping case highlights the difficult decisions families face when loved ones are taken hostage, as experts warn that paying ransoms without proof can embolden criminals and put others at risk. The FBI's guidance against paying ransoms is often at odds with a family's desperation to save a life.