The FBI has made notable strides in the investigation into Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance, underscoring two important dates leading up to January 31, when the 84-year-old went missing in Arizona. This progress occurs as Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos contends with a recall challenge, driven by criticism about his inconsistent communication and a growing lack of public trust in the investigation.
Local resident Chris Nanos recently received a tip regarding an incident at a local airport, where a TSA agent apparently stopped him at a security checkpoint for carrying an undeclared firearm in his carry-on. The situation worsened for Nanos, as an independent investigation into claims of bullying and retaliation against him concluded that there was significant evidence suggesting he misused his authority for political advantage during a tight race against former PCSD Lt. Gov. Heather Lappin in 2024.
During a public meeting on November 12, 2024, a woman named Corey Stevens voiced her concerns to the County Board of Supervisors, stating that the sheriff wasn’t facing the same repercussions a regular citizen would in a similar situation. She questioned why, if an average person had encountered this at the airport, the consequences would be more severe.
“There’s a disconnect,” Stevens expressed during a phone call, referencing her long-standing residency in Tucson and her role as president of the American Conservative Union.
Sheriff Nanos’ office did not immediately respond to inquiries about the incident, which has not led to any charges. Stevens highlighted that he brought up the incident at the board meeting because it alarmed him, yet he felt it garnered too little media attention.
Amid ongoing scrutiny surrounding Nancy Guthrie’s case, critics of Sheriff Nanos have pointed to additional issues, including his own lawsuits from current and former sheriffs, and allegations that he lied under oath about past disciplinary matters. “We the people want answers,” Stevens said. “The safety of our community is at risk.”
An incident report acquired outlines that a TSA technician spotted the firearm in the deputy’s bag and alerted authorities. Stevens remarked on how, as a law enforcement officer, Nanos should adhere to TSA regulations about declaring weapons. Airport police discovered five bullets in the magazine and one in the chamber, leading to Nanos missing his flight, returning the firearm to his vehicle, and rescheduling his travel.
Former FBI agent and commentator James Gagliano found the entire episode surprising, noting that sheriff’s deputies can take legal steps to report their status as law enforcement officers ahead of time. Typically, protocol permits active personnel to carry weapons while flying, contingent on confirming their identities.
Nancy Guthrie, who has been missing since January 31, 2026, is the mother of NBC ‘Today’ show co-host Savannah Guthrie. Following a TSA x-ray operator discovering the weapon at the airport, initial responding officers had a conflict of interest and recused themselves. A second officer questioned Nanos about the firearm’s location in his bag and found it stored in a zippered pocket.
Despite not having a valid warrant, Nanos was read his rights and the incident was reported to Homeland Security and the FBI. He was ushered out of the concourse to secure his firearm in his vehicle and later rebooked for his flight.
As the search for Guthrie continues, her family urges public vigilance. The investigation into Nanos has resurfaced old allegations while the situation has stalled. A previous retaliation claim against him underwent an independent review, finding that he misused department resources for political gain, despite clearing him of bullying allegations.
However, the investigation found that his actions didn’t quite align with specified departmental policies, but these didn’t apply to him as an elected official. A spokesperson for the Sheriff’s office acknowledged awareness of the findings, stating concerns were raised and that Nanos requested a review of the complete report.
Savannah Guthrie has expressed distress over her missing mother, reminding others of the pain the family is enduring. Calls to ensure public awareness continue, with the family urging anyone with information to contact the FBI as rewards totaling over $1.2 million have been offered for information leading to an arrest or the recovery of Guthrie.
