News Summary
Ashley Pardo, a 33-year-old mother from San Antonio, was arrested for allegedly assisting her 13-year-old son in planning acts of mass violence at Jeremiah Rhodes Middle School. Pardo faces terrorism charges after purchasing tactical gear and ammunition for her son. Concerns regarding school safety and the responsibilities of parents have arisen due to alarming items found in the boy’s possession. This case showcases the serious implications of youth violence and the importance of parental oversight.
San Antonio— Ashley Pardo, a 33-year-old mother, was arrested for allegedly aiding her 13-year-old son in planning acts of mass violence at Jeremiah Rhodes Middle School. Authorities have charged her with aiding in the commission of terrorism after she bought ammunition, magazines, and tactical gear knowingly intended for her son’s violent plans. This incident has raised significant concerns regarding school safety and parental responsibility.
The investigation began when a family member reported alarming items discovered in the boy’s possession. These items included rifle and pistol ammunition, black tactical gear, and an improvised explosive device created from a mortar-style firework. Additional findings revealed three loaded magazines and a note featuring the names of several mass shooters, as well as symbols associated with white supremacy. Notably, some of the items displayed “14 words,” a controversial slogan linked to extremist ideology.
On the day of the incident, the boy arrived at school dressed in a mask, camouflage jacket, and tactical pants but left the campus shortly after. During this time, school officials immediately increased security measures and conducted a search for any potential explosive devices. The student was eventually located off-campus and charged with terrorism, highlighting the serious nature of his intentions.
Prior to the incident, there had been multiple concerns regarding the boy’s behavior. Both local law enforcement and child protective services had previously addressed Pardo regarding her son’s troubling actions. Reports indicated that Pardo had shown little concern about her son’s violent expressions and seemed to support his troubling thoughts. In January, the school uncovered drawings made by the boy that mentioned the school’s name and included a map labeled “suicide route.” Furthermore, he had previously faced suspension in April after researching the 2019 Christchurch mosque shooting using a school-issued computer.
Upon returning to Jeremiah Rhodes Middle School on May 8, post-suspension, a safety plan was implemented to address the boy’s behavior, as he had expressed fascination with past mass shooters to school officials. However, Pardo’s supportive attitude towards her son’s troubling behavior has raised questions about parental oversight and intervention in the child’s troubling mindset.
A principal’s letter to parents confirmed the situation and reiterated the school’s commitment to the safety of all students. The school is located on the West Side of San Antonio, between Zarzamora and Castroville roads. Pardo has since been released from Bexar County Jail after posting a bond of $75,000. She is scheduled for a court hearing later this month regarding the charges against her.
This incident marks the first application of terrorism charges in Bexar County under a newly enacted state law in 2023. Given the serious implications of the case, there will likely be further discussions surrounding school safety protocols and the handling of students with violent tendencies.
As of now, both Pardo and her son face significant legal ramifications stemming from this alarming case, reflecting growing concerns about youth violence and the responsibilities of parents in safeguarding their children and their communities.
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Additional Resources
- The New York Times
- Wikipedia: School Shooting
- USA Today
- Google Search: School Violence Prevention
- CBS News
- Google Scholar: Parental Responsibility in School Violence
- Austin American-Statesman
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Terrorism Legislation in Texas
- KSAT
- Google News: Texas School Violence Incident 2025
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.
