News Summary
Ashley Rosalinda Pardo, a 33-year-old from San Antonio, faces terrorism-related charges after purchasing tactical gear and ammunition for her son, linked to concerning behavior and school violence. Her arrest followed alarming drawings by her son, references to mass shootings, and the discovery of dangerous items in their home. Pardo has been released on bond under strict conditions while Bexar County authorities emphasize the need for parental accountability in preventing youth violence.
San Antonio, Texas – A 33-year-old woman, Ashley Rosalinda Pardo, faces a terrorism-related charge after allegedly purchasing tactical gear and live ammunition for her 13-year-old son, who is now in custody for concerning behavior linked to school violence. The charge against Pardo, aiding in the commission of terrorism, is classified as a state-jail felony and marks the first instance of a terrorism charge in Bexar County, Texas, aiming to prevent violence before it occurs.
Pardo was arrested on May 13, 2023, and booked into Bexar County Jail. Following her arrest, she was released on a $75,000 bond with several conditions including full house arrest and mandatory weekly drug and alcohol testing. Additionally, Pardo is prohibited from possessing firearms or incendiary devices and must adhere to a no-contact order, ensuring she has no contact with her son, who remains unidentified due to his juvenile status.
The investigation into the family began earlier in the year when disturbing drawings created by Pardo’s son were reported in January 2023. The drawings included a map labeled “suicide route” and references to shooters’ manifestos, raising serious concerns among school officials. By April, the boy had faced suspension for researching the Christchurch mosque shooting, a tragic event that resulted in the deaths of 51 individuals, and this research sparked a suicide attempt requiring medical attention.
In response to growing concerns for safety, the school put a security plan into place on May 8, 2023. Shortly thereafter, a family member alerted authorities on May 12 after discovering the boy attempting to hit a live bullet with a hammer, claiming Pardo had provided him with firearms and ammunition. The family member also reported that Pardo had accompanied her son to purchase tactical items, including a tactical vest, helmet, and military-style clothing.
The day before police intervention, the boy allegedly expressed intentions to achieve fame and made references to “14 words,” a slogan associated with white supremacist ideology. Authorities who searched his room uncovered loaded magazines, an improvised explosive device made from a mortar-style firework, and notes connected to mass shootings and their perpetrators. These alarming discoveries led to heightened security at the boy’s school, which expressed concern that he could potentially return to inflict harm.
Following the family’s report, police located the juvenile on May 15, 2023, preventing any possible violence. Prior to this incident, law enforcement had approached Pardo about her son’s troubling behavior, but she appeared dismissive and unconcerned, which has raised alarms about parental accountability in similar situations.
Police Chief William McManus publicly characterized Pardo’s behavior as “dangerous” and “abhorrent” for a parent. The case highlights the ongoing efforts to hold guardians accountable for their children’s troubling actions and access to firearms amid rising concerns over youth violence.
Pardo is scheduled for a pre-indictment hearing on July 17, 2023. As the situation develops, Bexar County authorities continue to stress the importance of vigilance when it comes to youth and their potential access to weapons.
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Additional Resources
- ABC News
- Wikipedia: Terrorism in the United States
- Fox 7 Austin
- Google Search: Bexar County terrorism charges
- KSAT News
- Google Scholar: Terrorism related charges US
- The New York Times
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School shootings in America
- NBC News
- Google News: Mother charged Terrrorism Texas
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
