Savannah Guthrie makes new video plea as missing mother's ransom deadline nears

TUCSON, Ariz. — Savannah Guthrie 's family is ''at an hour of desperation'' in the search for her missing mother, the ''Today'' show host said in a video released Monday, just hours before a purported ransom deadline apparently set by Nancy Guthrie 's abductors.

Savannah Guthrie didn't mention the deadline in the video, saying her family in Arizona continues to believe their 84-year-old mother is out there and hearing everyone's prayers.

''She was taken and we don't know where, and we need your help,'' Guthrie said in the video posted on Instagram, which urged people nationwide to be on the lookout. ''No matter where you are, even if you're far from Tucson, if you see anything, if you hear anything.''

The mysterious disappearance and search has riveted the country. — from President Donald Trump, who spoke with Savannah Guthrie last week, to the online sleuths who've flooded social media with tips, theories and rumors.

The FBI is now asking for the public's help on digital billboards up in several major cities across the Southwest from Texas to California. The FBI has offered a $50,000 reward for information.

Multiple news outlets received alleged ransom letters during the past week. At least one letter made monetary demands and set deadlines for receiving the money. The first deadline passed last Thursday but a second one was set for Monday evening.

Law enforcement officials declined to affirm that the letters were credible but said all tips were being investigated seriously.

Savannah Guthrie expressed hope on Monday that her mom is still alive.

''We believe that somehow, some way, she is feeling these prayers,'' she said, ''and that God is lifting her even in this moment and in this darkest place.''

In a video Saturday, she said the family was prepared to pay for her mother's return. ''This is the only way we will have peace. This is very valuable to us, and we will pay.''

Authorities believe Nancy Guthrie was taken against her will from her home just outside Tucson. She was last seen there on Jan. 31 and reported missing the next day after not attending church services. DNA tests showed blood on Guthrie's front porch was a match to her, and her doorbell camera was disconnected in the early hours of Sunday morning, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has said.

Outside the home on Monday, neighbors strolled by on their morning jogs and walks, while a county sheriff's deputy remained stationed out front.