News Summary
In San Antonio, a mother has been charged with aiding terrorism after allegedly providing her 13-year-old son with ammunition and tactical gear for a planned attack at his school. The boy was charged with terrorism after arriving at school in tactical attire and a mask. Concerns about parental accountability in youth violence arise as investigations reveal alarming behavior from the child, including drawings depicting violent scenes. This case marks a significant moment in enforcing accountability for parents under new laws targeting terrorism linked to school violence.
San Antonio, Texas – A 33-year-old mother, Ashley Pardo, has been charged with aiding in terrorism after allegedly providing her 13-year-old son with ammunition and tactical gear intended for a planned attack at his school. The incident has raised significant concerns regarding parental accountability in cases of youth violence.
Pardo’s son, a student at Jeremiah Rhodes Middle School, was recently charged with terrorism after he arrived at school donned in a mask and tactical attire, though he left shortly thereafter due to apprehensions about his behavior. The school immediately contacted the authorities for assistance, leading to the boy’s detention off-campus.
According to police, Pardo had previously been involved with law enforcement, Child Protective Services, and school authorities concerning her son’s alarming conduct. San Antonio Police Chief William McManus noted that Pardo exhibited a “dismissive and unconcerned” attitude toward her son’s apparent violent inclinations.
The troubling pattern of behavior was first noted by law enforcement in January, when the son was discovered creating drawings of violent scenes, including one labeled “suicide route” that depicted a map of violence. A relative reported witnessing the boy with a bullet, alleging that his mother had purchased the bullet along with the tactical gear he had in his possession.
Further investigations revealed a deeper level of concerning behavior from the boy. Before his arrest, he possessed loaded magazines, an improvised explosive device, and a note that indicated his interest in mass shootings, coupled with references to Nazi symbols. His fascination with notorious shooters was also evident, as he had reportedly been suspended from school in April for researching mass shootings on a school-issued computer.
In direct response to this incident, the school has ramped up security measures to ensure student safety and has cooperated with law enforcement. A hearing for Pardo is set, and she has posted the $75,000 bond for her release from Bexar County Jail following her arrest.
Pardo’s charge is notable as it falls under a new law established by the Texas Legislature in 2023, which instituted specific criminal charges for acts of terrorism. This case has become the first instance in Bexar County where an individual has faced terrorism charges related to school violence. Authorities believe that through increased accountability measures for parents, similar future tragedies can potentially be averted.
The 13-year-old is currently being held in juvenile detention and is awaiting his next court hearing. The San Antonio Independent School District remains committed to ensuring a secure learning environment for all students as this case unfolds.
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