Attorney General Todd Blanche addressed the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie in a new interview, and he was pressed on whether federal officials should take the lead in the ongoing investigation.
"Meet the Press" host Kristen Welker asked Blanche, who was recently confirmed as President Donald Trump's choice to lead the Justice Department, if it's time for federal officials to play a larger role, as state law enforcement has led the investigation so far.
Aug. 1 marked six months since Nancy Guthrie, the mother of NBC's "Today" show morning anchor Savannah Guthrie, disappeared from her home in Tucson, Arizona. Authorities have provided few public updates about the status of the case.
"It's a horrible situation, and I share the grief and frustration
that you and your colleagues have and that the whole country has in the situation," Blanche said. "Meet the Press" is also an NBC program.
But Blanche suggested the FBI won't take control of the search for the 84-year-old woman.
"Whether the FBI takes the lead, we are there to support. We're going to continue to do that. Whether we come in with sharp elbows and take it over, that's not necessarily the right thing to do for her," Blanche continued.
'Sorry to say that'
The attorney general added that that federal authorities would continue to provide any manpower or forensic assistance to aid local authorities. The Pima County Sheriff's Department, led by Sheriff Chris Nanos, has primary oversight of the Guthrie investigation.
Blanche told Welker that he was "sorry to say that" there was no update in the case. "I wish I had an update, and I know that this type of case is heartbreaking, especially when it plays out nationally like this one has," Blanche told Welker.
"All I can say is that [FBI] Director [Kash] Patel and his leadership and the leadership out in that area of the country, it will remain a priority as it should with resources and with energy and with focus," he continued.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Todd Blanche pressed on Nancy Guthrie case, calls disappearance 'heartbreaking'
