News Summary
In San Antonio, a mother, Ashley Pardo, has been arrested for allegedly helping her son make threats of mass violence against Rhodes Middle School. The 33-year-old is accused of providing her son with ammunition and tactical gear, prompting a police investigation. Alarming behaviors included the student’s fascination with past mass shooters and possession of dangerous items, leading to serious safety concerns among parents and school officials. The incident raises critical questions about parental responsibility and school safety measures.
San Antonio, Texas – A mother has been arrested for allegedly assisting her son in making threats of mass violence against Rhodes Middle School. Thirty-three-year-old Ashley Pardo is accused of facilitating a series of concerning behaviors exhibited by her son, who is a student at the school. An investigation into the threats culminated in Pardo’s arrest after it was discovered that she allegedly provided her son with ammunition and tactical gear.
Law enforcement officials launched an investigation after the student expressed a desire to commit violent acts. They found that he had a fascination with past mass shooters, raising alarms among school officials and parents. The student’s possession included various items indicative of a serious threat, such as ammunition, a makeshift explosive device, and a note referencing notorious mass shootings.
After the discovery of alarming drawings by the student, which featured violent imagery and even a map labeled as a “suicide route,” authorities were prompted to take immediate action. A police detective assessed the situation back in January, but it became evident that the situation escalated over time. In April, the student faced suspension for researching the tragic shootings at two mosques in New Zealand that occurred in 2019 while using a school-issued computer.
Due to ongoing concerns regarding the potential for targeted violence, school officials implemented a comprehensive security plan for Rhodes Middle School. On May 8, the student returned to the school after being assigned to an alternative institution following his suspension. However, fears of safety among students and parents remained heightened.
Pardo’s role came under scrutiny when it was reported that she had aided her son in acquiring tactical items, including vests and helmets, from a surplus store. Moreover, the student’s relative reported dangerous behavior when they found him attempting to strike a live bullet with a hammer. This concerning incident led to further investigation.
During the course of the inquiry, it became known that the student had confessed to acquiring ammunition from his mother. On the morning of the troubling incident, he allegedly indicated to a relative that he intended to “be famous,” mentioning a phrase associated with white supremacist ideology—the “14 words.” This raised additional alarm about the potential motivations behind his behavior.
A search of the student’s room revealed loaded magazines and an improvised explosive device that had been constructed using a mortar-style firework, which had been modified to enhance its explosive potential. Authorities responded swiftly, with the student being detained off-campus and subsequently charged with terrorism.
Ashley Pardo faces serious legal consequences, including charges for aiding in the commission of terrorism due to her role in helping her son acquire the items necessary for potential acts of mass violence. She has been released from jail on a $75,000 bond, as the legal process continues. The repercussions of this incident have raised questions about parental responsibility and the measures in place to ensure the safety of school environments.
In the aftermath, parents have expressed significant concern regarding the safety of their children at Rhodes Middle School. The school’s principal confirmed that administrators took the threats seriously, and they acted to secure the safety of the students. Community members have praised the relative who reported the boy’s concerning behavior, pointing out the importance of vigilance in identifying and addressing risky situations early on.
This event highlights an ongoing issue within educational settings regarding identifying students in distress and the measures parents and guardians must take to recognize and address troubling behavior before it escalates. Law enforcement continues to investigate the matter while ensuring that students at Rhodes Middle School are safe.
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Additional Resources
- KSAT News
- Wikipedia: Rhodes Middle School
- KENS5 News
- Google Search: Ashley Pardo mass violence
- Express News
- Google Scholar: Social Media Threats in Schools
- News4 San Antonio
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mass Violence Prevention
- KENS5 News
- Google News: San Antonio mass violence
