Elizabeth Smart’s father, Ed, addressed the disappearance of the Nancy Guthrie, mother of “Today” host Savannah Guthrie.
Elizabeth was abducted 2002 from her own bed in the middle of the night. Nancy is believed to have been abducted in a similar manner, and has not been seen or heard from since Saturday night. Smart spoke from his first-hand perspective Feb. 5 on Fox News, and drew on his family’s harrowing experience. He offered hope and perspective, serving as a reminder that despite facing nine months of horror his daughter returned home.
Ed weighed in on the video released by Savannah and her siblings Feb. 4 on Instagram. He told Fox News Nancy’s loved ones want to “keep the information flowing” and “bring her hope.”
“They’re trying to do everything they possibly can to bring her home,” he said.
Ed offered advice to the Guthrie family.
“I think talking directly to those who have taken her, the abductors, is crucially important,” he said, noting this sent the message to Nancy’s captors that they were willing to “comply” and “resolve this.”
CATALINA, ARIZONA – FEBRUARY 3: A sign is posted at the house of Nancy Guthrie, NBC host Savannah Guthrie’s mother, on February 3, 2026 in Catalina, Arizona.The search continues in the Tucson area for Nancy Guthrie, after she was reported missing on February 1. (Photo by Jan Sonnenmair/Getty Images)
“The support from the community is huge,” he said, recalling the search for Elizabeth. “In our case, we had a huge search by the public … We had a website set up … that was huge in helping bring tips and more information in.”
Seeing a similar scene playing out 24 years after his grueling ordeal, Ed said “media, especially social media,” was important in sending messages with wide reach.
When he was asked if he thought Nancy heard the love and reassurance of her children’s video message, Ed said, “Brian Mitchell basically determined how much information got to Elizabeth. So it’s hard to know whether Nancy can hear or not but it’s important to make that effort and do that.”
CATALINA, ARIZONA – FEBRUARY 3: Pima County Sheriff, Chris Nanos speaks to the media on February 3, 2026 in Tucson, Arizona. He was answering questions about the search for Nancy Guthrie, the missing mother of NBC host Savannah Guthrie.(Photo by Jan Sonnenmair/Getty Images)
“Nothing can be more important,” he said.
“It seems like the law enforcement is doing a very good job at trying to bring this to a close,” he said.
Ed was asked how long it took for his family to be cleared before the authorities were able to shift their focus to other avenues.
“You know, it went on for quite a while,” he said. “Clearing the family is crucial.”
“They’re generally the first place the law enforcement look, so cooperating with law enforcement to bring that to a close as quickly as possible so that they can move onto other potential parts of the investigation were really important,” Ed told Fox News.
During a press conference Feb. 5, Pima County Sheriff’s Department Sheriff Chris Nanos made it clear authorities had no suspects or persons of interest at that point.
“People are sleep deprived and doing the best they can but still when you don’t find your loved one, it’s really difficult to try and focus and stay positive,” Ed said, showing compassion for the Guthrie family. (RELATED: Police Release Shocking New Details, Confirm Nancy’s Blood Found At Doorstep)
“But I think until you get that message otherwise, you have to have that faith and that hope that your loved one will come home.”
Sheriff Nanos will hold a media briefing today at approximately 11:30 a.m. Arizona time (MST)
(1:30 p.m. Eastern Time).
Location: PCSD Headquarters
1750 E. Benson Highway | Tucson, AZ #NancyGuthrie pic.twitter.com/fqBwEgHyHw— Pima County Sheriff’s Department (@PimaSheriff) February 3, 2026
“I hope and pray that Nancy is found soon and brought back home for them.”