False AI footage fuels online hysteria, while FBI confirms no verified kidnapping evidence.
Authorities have confirmed that viral claims surrounding the alleged kidnapping of Nancy Guthrie, mother of television journalist Savannah Guthrie, are not supported by verified evidence. The story, which circulated widely across social media platforms, claimed that the 84-year-old had been abducted from her home in the Catalina Foothills near Tucson and that ransom notes demanding cryptocurrency had been sent to media outlets.
However, federal officials clarified that the dramatic surveillance video at the center of the claims appears to be AI-generated and originated from an unreliable online source. There is no confirmed evidence of an armed suspect, no verified ransom demand, and no official confirmation of a kidnapping case matching the viral description.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation emphasized that misinformation involving AI-generated footage is becoming increasingly sophisticated and can easily mislead the public. Investigators stress that no body has been discovered and no official statement has confirmed criminal activity tied to the claims circulating online.
The incident highlights growing concerns over deepfake technology and fabricated crisis narratives designed to trigger emotional reactions and viral traction. Law enforcement agencies continue to monitor the spread of digital disinformation and urge the public to rely on verified sources before sharing sensational content.
At this stage, there is no confirmed kidnapping investigation involving Nancy Guthrie. Authorities remain vigilant against digital hoaxes that exploit high-profile families for clicks and online engagement.
