Search for Missing Journalist Laura Guthrie Enters Fifth Day with FBI Leading Probe
Published Date: 18th Feb, 2026
February 18, 2026
The disappearance of investigative journalist Laura Guthrie has entered its fifth day with no confirmed sightings or credible leads, as the FBI Washington Field Office formally took primary jurisdiction over the case this morning. Guthrie, 38, a senior national security reporter for The Intercept, was last seen leaving a downtown Washington, D.C., coffee shop on the afternoon of February 14 after meeting an unnamed source.
Metropolitan Police Department officials confirmed at a press briefing today that the investigation has been elevated to a potential federal matter due to Guthrie's extensive reporting on classified programs, government surveillance, private contractor intelligence activities, and recent stories involving high-level national security officials. Her phone has remained offline since approximately 6:15 p.m. on February 14, and her vehicle was found locked and undisturbed in a nearby garage with her laptop bag and press credentials inside but no wallet or phone.
FBI Special Agent in Charge Matthew DeSarno stated: “We are treating Ms. Guthrie’s disappearance as a high-priority matter with serious concern for her safety. We are actively pursuing all leads, including the possibility of foul play related to her professional work.” Authorities have not ruled out any theories, including abduction, but emphasized there is no evidence of a random crime.
Investigation Updates
- Last confirmed activity: Guthrie texted a colleague at 5:48 p.m. on February 14: “Just finished, heading home—big story coming.” Her phone went dark shortly afterward.
- Surveillance review: Additional footage from the coffee shop and garage area is being analyzed frame-by-frame. No clear images of her entering or leaving the garage have been recovered.
- Digital forensics: Investigators are examining Guthrie’s recent communications, cloud backups, and encrypted messaging apps for clues about the source meeting and any threats or concerns she may have expressed.
- Reward increased: The Committee to Protect Journalists, The Intercept, and several press freedom organizations have raised the total reward to $150,000 for information leading to her safe return or the arrest and conviction of anyone responsible.
- Interviews: The source she met has been interviewed multiple times and is cooperating fully. Colleagues report Guthrie had mentioned feeling watched in recent weeks but had not filed a formal threat report.
Press Freedom Community Responds
The disappearance has sparked widespread alarm among journalists and press freedom advocates. The Society of Professional Journalists, Reporters Without Borders, and the International Press Institute have issued joint statements calling the case “extremely troubling” and urging a swift, transparent investigation. CPJ Executive Director Jodie Ginsberg said: “Laura Guthrie’s reporting has exposed powerful interests. Her safety must be the absolute priority, and any connection to her work must be thoroughly examined.”
A candlelight vigil is scheduled for tonight outside the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., organized by press freedom groups and supported by major news organizations. Hundreds of journalists have signed an open letter demanding full transparency and protection for reporters covering sensitive national security matters.
The White House issued a brief statement: “The President has been briefed on the disappearance of Laura Guthrie. The FBI is leading the investigation, and we are providing all necessary resources to bring her home safely.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact the FBI tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI or the Metropolitan Police Department at 202-727-9099. Anonymous tips can be submitted through the FBI’s website or the MPD tip line. The investigation remains active and ongoing, with authorities asking the public to avoid speculation that could interfere with the search. Updates will be provided as new information becomes available.
Date: 18th Feb, 2026
