News Summary
A mother from San Antonio has been arrested for allegedly providing her son with supplies for a planned attack on Rhodes Middle School. Ashley Pardo, 33, faces accusations of aiding terrorism following alarming behavior displayed by her son, including researching violent acts and creating disturbing drawings. Despite previous interventions, Pardo reportedly showed no concern for her son’s actions. The investigation revealed that she provided him with tactical gear as a reward for babysitting. This incident raises significant concerns about youth violence and extremist ideologies within the community.
San Antonio – A mother from San Antonio has been arrested for allegedly equipping her son with gear and supplies intended for a planned attack on Rhodes Middle School. Ashley Pardo, 33, faces charges of aiding in the commission of terrorism following an investigation that began in January 2025, when her son exhibited alarming behavior and interests in violence.
The investigation into Pardo started after her son created “disturbing drawings” that referenced violence, featuring images of Rhodes Middle School and a rifle with a label reading “suicide route.” These expressions sparked concerns from school officials and law enforcement, who had previously engaged with the family about their son’s concerning behavior. Despite past interactions, reports indicate that Pardo did not appear to express any worry about her son’s violent tendencies.
In April, the boy was suspended from school for researching the Christchurch mosque shootings on a school-issued computer, raising red flags about his online behavior and interests. Authorities became further alarmed after discovering items in the family’s possession that included a rifle, ammunition, tactical gear, and an improvised explosive device. A relative eventually contacted law enforcement, prompting a deeper investigation.
As the investigation progressed, it was noted that on May 11, 2025, the day before the planned attack, Pardo’s son was seen preparing in tactical clothing and made statements indicating a desire to become “famous.” These developments led the school to strengthen security measures, although the student was found detained off-campus before any potential violence occurred.
Law enforcement uncovered that Pardo had been supplying her son with tactical items as a form of reward for babysitting his younger siblings. Among the materials discovered were alarming notes containing names of past mass shooters, references to white supremacy, and extreme ideological phrases such as “14 words.” These findings suggest a deeply concerning mindset that had been nurtured by the accused mother.
Pardo’s son, who cannot be named due to juvenile confidentiality laws, is facing his own terrorism charges as the investigation unfolds. He has also previously had interactions with police about his behavior, indicating a long-standing concern regarding his well-being and actions.
After her arrest, Pardo was released on a $75,000 bond and is scheduled for a pre-indictment hearing on July 17, 2025. The case highlights the urgent need for vigilance when it comes to the safety of children and the potential warning signs of youth violence.
In a letter to parents, Principal Felismina Martinez of Rhodes Middle School reassured the school community that all potential threats are taken seriously. She emphasized that student safety remains a top priority within the San Antonio Independent School District (SAISD) and that measures will continue to be implemented to safeguard students against future threats.
This incident underscores a growing concern regarding youth violence and the influence of extremist ideologies. As investigations continue, the families and community around Rhodes Middle School seek to understand and address the alarming realities of such threats in schools and society.
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