News Summary
Ashley Pardo, a mother from San Antonio, was arrested for allegedly supporting her son’s planned attack on Jeremiah Rhodes Middle School. The investigation began after disturbing drawings were discovered, prompting concerns about the child’s violent behavior. Pardo reportedly purchased ammunition and tactical gear for her son, who exhibited alarming signs, including researching mass shootings. Following her son’s troubling actions, including arriving at school in combat gear, the situation has raised significant concerns among parents regarding school safety and parental responsibilities.
San Antonio, Texas – Ashley Pardo, a 33-year-old mother, was arrested on May 12, 2025, for allegedly aiding her son’s planned terrorist attack at Jeremiah Rhodes Middle School. The charge stems from her purchase of ammunition and tactical gear for her 13-year-old son, who exhibited alarming behavior, including an interest in mass shootings.
The investigation into this situation began in January 2025, after school officials expressed concerns regarding disturbing drawings made by Pardo’s son. These included a map titled “suicide route” and sketches of firearms. His behavior escalated in April when he was suspended for researching the 2019 mass shootings in Christchurch on a school-issued computer.
Concerns over the boy’s potential for violence led the school to implement a safety plan upon his return on May 8, 2025. The situation worsened when a relative discovered an improvised explosive device, live ammunition, and firearm magazines in the boy’s possession, prompting them to report the findings to the police.
On the day of his arrest, Pardo’s son arrived at school wearing combat gear and a mask, but left shortly before law enforcement could intervene. Authorities were alerted a day earlier when the boy made a troubling comment about wanting to “be famous.” His relative searched his belongings out of concern, leading to the alarming discovery.
During the investigation, it was revealed that Pardo had purchased tactical military fatigues and a helmet for her son, allegedly as a reward for babysitting. The San Antonio Police Chief described Pardo’s actions as “dangerous” and “abhorrent,” noting prior engagement with law enforcement, child protective services, and educators over her son’s troubling indications of violent tendencies.
Pardo has been previously approached by authorities regarding her son’s ominous drawings and exhibited a concerning level of support for his violent expressions. Following her arrest, she was released on a $75,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court for a pre-indictment hearing on July 17, 2025. As part of her release conditions, she must wear a GPS monitor and is prohibited from possessing firearms.
This incident marks a significant escalation in the challenges of school safety and the responsibilities of parents regarding their children’s mental health. Parents in the San Antonio community have voiced their outrage at the situation, particularly about the decision to allow the student back on campus despite previous red flags. Many parents are expressing fears about the safety measures in place at schools and the adequacy of responses to such alarming behavior.
Historical notes surrounding this case include it being the first instance of terrorism charges being filed in Bexar County, Texas, raising concerns about how cases involving potential violent extremism among minors are handled in schools and law enforcement.
As the legal proceedings unfold, community leaders, parents, and mental health professionals are likely to engage in discussions regarding preventative measures to ensure school safety as well as addressing the mental health needs of at-risk youth.
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Additional Resources
- KSAT News
- Wikipedia: School Safety
- KENS5 News
- Google Search: Ashley Pardo San Antonio News
- NBC News
- Google Scholar: Child Terrorism Prevention
- CBS News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mass Shootings
- Washington Post
- Google News: Texas School Shooting Plan
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.
