The “Today” show has reportedly ramped up security, along with 30 Rockefeller Plaza more broadly, in the wake of the apparent abduction of host Savannah Guthrie’s mother.
The NYPD has an increased presence outside 30 Rock, while private security has also been stepped up in an abundance of caution, law enforcement sources told the Hollywood Reporter.
“Things are tense at the studio, and as a result, NBC has stepped up security for on-air talent,” an insider told the Hollywood Reporter.
“NBC has partnered with the NYPD to make sure their staff remains safe, out of an abundance of caution,” the source added.
Savannah’s “Today” co-hosts have spoken out about how the alleged abduction of 84-year-old Nancy from her home in Tucson, Arizona, last weekend has left them shocked.
“I’ll just tell you guys, behind the scenes … we’re all rattled,” co-host Sheinelle Jones said during the opening segment to Tuesday’s “Jenna & Sheinelle.”
“We’re all shaken. We all recognize that we have a job to do. But as you guys know, we’re family around here, and it’s not just something that we say. We’ve all been a little rattled,” she went on.
Jones added that she had “trouble sleeping” in the wake of Nancy’s disappearance.
With many TV presenters sharing details about their families on social media, there are reportedly fears of copycat attacks.
Rival networks have also reportedly been asked about stepped-up security measures they may be taking around their own talent and production offices, although they have yet to do so.
No suspects have yet been named by police in the disappearance of Nancy, who was last seen on Saturday at around 9:45 p.m. when she was dropped off by family following dinner and a game of mahjong.
At around 2 a.m., her pacemaker lost connection with her Apple Watch, which was found at her home the following day.
After Nancy didn’t show up at church on Sunday morning, a concerned fellow-worshipper alerted her family, who called the police.
Blood drops and signs of forced entry were reportedly found at her house in the Catalina Foothills area of Arizona, on the northern outskirts of Tucson.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department said it wouldn’t hold any further press conferences until there were any concrete updates in the case.
Authorities are still verifying a ransom note sent to multiple news outlets this week, after a 5 p.m. Thursday deadline to hand the alleged kidnappers millions of dollars worth of bitcoin expired.