The president underscored the gravity of the situation, declaring that the kidnappers would encounter “very, very severe — the most severe” federal repercussions should any harm befall Nancy Guthrie. When queried about whether this included the pursuit of the death penalty, Trump confirmed, “The most, yeah — that’s true.”

Federal involvement is typical in high-profile cases, especially when an interstate element is present or a federal law has been breached. While Arizona does have the death penalty, progress through the legal system can be slow, with many of the 109 inmates on death row having been there for extended periods.

Arizona has only carried out two executions since 2022. This is partly due to a nearly two-year moratorium imposed by the state’s Democrat-led government, a ban that was lifted towards the end of 2024.

Here’s the latest on Savannah Guthrie’s missing mom

Arizona has carried out just two executions since 2022, in part because of a nearly two-year pause by the Democrat-led state government that was lifted in late 2024.

Former President Joe Biden commuted the sentences of 37 of the 40 men on federal death row, but Trump officials plan to move them to supermax prison to serve out their penalties in harsh conditions.