TUCSON, Ariz. — FBI Director Kash Patel has intensified scrutiny on the handling of the Nancy Guthrie abduction investigation, claiming federal agents were initially kept out for four days after the February disappearance of the Arizona woman and mother of Savannah Guthrie.

Patel asserted that the FBI offered immediate assistance to Pima County authorities upon Nancy Guthrie's reported disappearance on February 1 but faced delays in gaining full access. The high-profile case has drawn national attention due to the victim's family connections and ongoing questions about evidence processing and inter-agency coordination.

"We showed up immediately and offered our assistance. We were not let in for four days. And that's their choice," Patel said in an interview with NewsNation. He added, "We offered our assistance to go test the DNA. And it's up to them. They chose to use a private laboratory."

Despite the reported early friction, Patel emphasized that federal support continues. "We continue to offer assistance," he said. "I even visited our Tucson office, where we had 150 agents and analysts working on the Nancy Guthrie case to provide intelligence."

The comments mark the latest public exchange in a case that has frustrated investigators and captivated public interest since Nancy Guthrie vanished under circumstances that initially suggested possible foul play. Authorities have treated the disappearance as an abduction, with searches involving multiple agencies yielding limited breakthroughs months later.

Background on the Disappearance

Nancy Guthrie, the mother of prominent television journalist Savannah Guthrie, was last reported seen in the Tucson area on February 1. Her disappearance prompted immediate concern from family members, who contacted local law enforcement and the FBI. The case quickly escalated due to the high-profile family ties and the lack of immediate leads or signs of voluntary absence.

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos responded personally to the scene on the night of the incident, providing local leadership. A spokesperson for the sheriff's department pushed back against claims of........

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