Officials release images of ‘armed individual’ in Nancy Guthrie caseNancy Guthrie was taken from her home on Sunday, Feb. 1, according to authorities. A Monday ransom deadline by persons claiming to be Guthrie’s abductors passed as the search for her continues.
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The newly released video showing an armed individual outside the home of Nancy Guthrie is a key piece of evidence for investigators to not only solicit help from the public — but also to piece together a profile of the subject, according to two former FBI special agents.

Investigators may be able to use the items like the person’s backpack, gloves, holster and light to narrow down his identity, said Brad Garrett and Richard Frankel, two former agents, who are ABC News contributors.

“Who has bought those gloves? Who’s got that mask? Does anyone recognize the mask? Does anyone recognize that backpack?” Frankel said.

FBI Director Kash Patel released a surveillance photo, Feb. 10, 2026 showing a potential subject in investigation of the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie in Tucson, AZ.
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Nancy Guthrie disappearance: FBI Director Kash Patel releases images, video of ‘armed individual’

Law enforcement could also use the video to estimate the weight and height of the individual, Frankel added, though the graininess of the footage and ski mask might make it challenging to use facial recognition technologies.

As Nancy Guthrie ransom deadline passes, investigators appear uncertain if it’s real: Experts

The individual’s actions — such as using nearby shrubbery in an apparent attempt to disable the doorbell camera — also could be used by the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit to build a broader profile of the individual, Frankel said.

According to Garrett, the video suggests that the individual is likely inexperienced because of how long he lingered at the door and was unprepared to disable the camera.

FBI Director Kash Patel released a surveillance photo, Feb. 10, 2026 showing a potential subject in investigation of the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie in Tucson, AZ.
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Nancy Guthrie abduction timeline: Photos, video of armed individual released in disappearance of Savannah Guthrie’s mom

“All of that suggests to me is that this guy is not a pro — he doesn’t really know what he’s doing,” Garrett said. “It’s very amateurish and not planned out well.”

Both men also added that the way the individual carried his weapon — in a holster at the center of his waist — suggests he is inexperienced with firearms.

“It’s just an odd position to have your holster,” Frankel said. “It’d either be on your hip, or it would be on your chest, just because it would get in your way in your walk.”