Former FBI agent calls holster setup in Nancy Guthrie case 'incredibly amateur and unsafe'

In Tucson, Arizona, former FBI agents have raised concerns over a questionable holster configuration seen in surveillance footage linked to the Nancy Guthrie case. They described the combination of a semi-automatic handgun with a revolver-style polyester holster as “extremely amateur and hazardous.”

Harvey Levin, the founder of TMZ, shared insights on this issue during an appearance on Fox News’ “Hannity.” Levin revealed that his team closely analyzed the newly released surveillance video and concluded that the suspect was using a soft polyester holster, typically meant for revolvers, to carry a semi-automatic pistol.

“People generally use a polyester holster for a revolver,” Levin explained to Sean Hannity on Wednesday night. “In this instance, however, it was a semi-automatic handgun being carried.”

Although Levin admitted he isn’t a firearms expert, he mentioned that gun professionals have informed him that this pairing is unconventional. As a result, TMZ has started reaching out to gun ranges across the Tucson area to see if anyone recalls noticing such an unusual setup.

“So far, we haven’t uncovered any leads,” Levin remarked, adding that both the FBI and the local sheriff’s department are conducting similar investigations.

a "subject" carrying a gun on Nancy Guthrie's property.

Photographs released on February 10, 2025, depict a “subject” carrying a firearm on Nancy Guthrie’s property. (FBI)

‘Incredibly amateur and unsafe,’ former FBI agent says

John Nantz, a former FBI agent, told Fox News Digital the holster appears ill-fitted and potentially unsafe.

“The holster clearly doesn’t fit the semi-automatic pistol,” Nantz said. “It’s incredibly amateur and unsafe. The gun could easily fall out of that holster. No one even minimally trained or experienced would carry a firearm in that fashion.”

surveillance footage obtained from Nancy Guthrie's home

Law enforcement experts suggest five key clues in the surveillance footage obtained from Nancy Guthrie’s home could reveal the identity of the individual seen approaching her Arizona home.  (FBI)

Nantz noted that trained professionals typically carry semi-automatic handguns in molded Kydex or leather holsters designed for specific gun models and equipped with retention systems that secure the weapon in place.

Retired FBI Supervisory Special Agent Jason Pack said Kydex holsters, a hard plastic style frequently used by police, are designed to “click” or lock into place, while leather holsters are often shaped to fit specific guns.

“I’ve never seen anybody carry a holster right there before like that,” Pack said, adding the holster appears inconsistent with the rigid, model-specific holsters commonly used by law enforcement.

Pack also noted that inexpensive nylon or polyester holsters are widely available at big-box retailers and regularly used by civilian gun owners.

Authorities have not publicly indicated whether the holster configuration is central to their investigation.

WATCH: 

Nancy Guthrie disappearance timeline:

Jan. 31, 2026

  • Between 9:30–9:45 p.m. — Family drops Nancy off at home
  • 9:50 p.m. — Garage door closes (per authorities)

Feb. 1, 2026

  • 1:47 a.m. — Doorbell camera disconnects
  • 2:12 a.m. — Security camera detects motion
  • 2:28 a.m. — Pacemaker disconnects from phone application
  • 11:56 a.m. — Family checks on Nancy after she misses weekly church livestream gathering
  • 12:03 p.m. — 911 called
  • 12:15 p.m. — Sheriff’s deputies arrive at home

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