News Summary
Ashley Pardo, 33, has been arrested for aiding her son in a potential school attack by providing him with ammo and tactical gear. The boy, who had displayed troubling behavior, plotted violence at Jeremiah Rhodes Middle School. Parents are increasingly concerned about safety, highlighting the legal implications of parental responsibility in such incidents.
San Antonio, Texas – A 33-year-old woman named Ashley Pardo has been arrested and charged with aiding in the commission of terrorism after allegedly supplying her son with ammunition and tactical gear intended for a planned attack at Jeremiah Rhodes Middle School. Authorities allege that Pardo provided these materials as a reward for her son babysitting his siblings, despite knowing they would be used to commit a crime.
The son, whose identity has not been disclosed, is accused of planning “mass targeted violence” at the school. Evidence presented in the arrest affidavit indicates the boy plotted violent actions, including drawing a map of the school which he labeled as “suicide route,” with symbols of weaponry displayed prominently. This planned violence instilled a sense of fear of serious bodily injury among students and staff.
Prior to these events, the boy reportedly exhibited troubling behavior, having been suspended from school in April after researching the 2019 Christchurch mosque shootings on a school-issued computer. Following the suspension, the child attempted suicide, indicating heightened distress. He had only recently returned to Jeremiah Rhodes Middle School on May 8 after attending an alternative education institution.
Concerns about the boy’s behavior had been communicated to Pardo by school officials and child protective services. However, according to the affidavit, she appeared unconcerned with her son’s actions and expressed support for his violent expressions. The boy’s grandmother further reported that he had received firearms and ammunition from Pardo, heightening the urgency of the situation.
During the investigation, investigators discovered a homemade explosive device in the boy’s bedroom, crafted from a mortar-style firework and inscribed with messages referencing Brenton Tarrant, the perpetrator of the New Zealand mosque shootings. The explosive also bore symbols indicating affiliations with white supremacist ideologies, raising alarms among law enforcement.
On the day of the incident, the boy was reported to have been wearing a mask and tactical attire. School officials, upon realizing he was missing and unable to locate him on campus, took precautions to enhance security while police searched for potential explosive threats. Ultimately, the boy was detained off-campus and faces charges of terrorism in connection with his alleged threats to the school.
Pardo has since been released from custody after posting a $75,000 bail. She is scheduled to appear in court on July 17. The case highlights a growing trend in holding parents legally accountable for their children’s violent acts, particularly as concerns about school safety remain high.
Community members expressed apprehension about the boy’s return to school, especially in light of the numerous warning signs that had previously been raised. School officials have reiterated their commitment to maintaining a safe environment for students and staff, ensuring that any credible threats are taken seriously and addressed promptly.
This incident unfolds against a backdrop of increased public concern regarding school safety and violence, underscoring the implications of parental responsibility and the potential for serious consequences stemming from youth engagement in violent behavior.
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Additional Resources
- CBS News
- Wikipedia: School Shooting
- BBC News
- Google Search: Texas School Shooting Plot
- ABC News
- Google Scholar: Parental Responsibility in Juvenile Crimes
- Statesman
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Violence and Safety Measures
- Washington Post
- Google News: San Antonio School Safety
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.
