News Summary
Ashley Pardo, a 33-year-old mother from San Antonio, has been arrested for allegedly helping her son plan a school shooting at Jeremiah Rhodes Middle School. Authorities claim she purchased ammunition and tactical gear while being fully aware of the intended use. The police were alerted after a family member discovered troubling items in her son’s possession, leading to increased security at the school. Pardo has been released on bail and is scheduled to appear in court shortly as the investigation continues.
San Antonio – Ashley Pardo, a 33-year-old mother from San Antonio, has been arrested and charged with aiding in the commission of terrorism. Authorities allege that Pardo assisted her son in planning a school shooting at Jeremiah Rhodes Middle School by purchasing ammunition, magazines, and tactical gear while being fully aware that these items would be used for criminal activity. The situation escalated when Pardo’s son expressed a desire to commit “acts of mass violence.”
On the intended day of the incident, the son arrived at school dressed in a mask, a camouflage jacket, and tactical pants. However, he left the premises shortly afterward. Initially, the school was unaware of the boy’s whereabouts, which led to increased security measures being implemented on campus. Investigators later located the student off-campus and subsequently charged him with terrorism.
The alarming situation began to unfold one day prior to the arrest when a family member contacted the San Antonio police after discovering troubling items, including a rifle, ammunition, and a handmade explosive device in the boy’s possession. The handmade device had inscriptions linked to Brenton Tarrant, the perpetrator of the Christchurch mosque shooting, along with white supremacist symbols and terminology.
Background of Concerning Behavior
Pardo’s son had exhibited disturbing behavior for some time, including drawings of a map labeled “suicide route” and expressions of a desire to gain notoriety through violence. School officials had been alerted to these drawings and had previously raised concerns regarding the boy’s troubling conduct. In January, he had been found to have created alarming images featuring a rifle next to the school’s name.
In April, the boy received a suspension after conducting online research concerning the 2019 Christchurch mosque shooting using a school-issued computer. Following this suspension, he attended an alternative school before returning to Jeremiah Rhodes Middle School on May 8. School officials implemented a safety plan upon his return to ensure the safety of all students.
Responses and Security Measures
Following the recent incidents, local officials and school authorities emphasized their commitment to ensuring student safety. In response to the threats posed by this situation, Jeremiah Rhodes Middle School heightened its security measures to protect its students. Parents were informed of these efforts, highlighting the school’s proactive stance in addressing safety concerns.
After her arrest, Pardo was released from Bexar County Jail upon posting a $75,000 bond. She is scheduled to appear in court on July 17, where she has requested a court-appointed attorney to represent her. The ongoing investigation continues to focus on the boy’s actions and Pardo’s role in facilitating those actions, raising significant concerns about the safety and well-being of students in the San Antonio area.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Mother Arrested for Allegedly Assisting Son’s School Attack Plan
Mother Arrested for Assisting Son’s Threats Against School
Unraveling the Tragedy: Insights into the Nashville School Shootings
Mooresville High School Student Charged with Conspiracy
Additional Resources
- CNN
- Wikipedia: San Antonio
- KSAT
- Google Search: Jeremiah Rhodes Middle School
- KENS 5
- Google Scholar: Brenton Tarrant
- KICKS 105
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Christchurch mosque shooting
- KVUE
- Google News: Ashley Pardo
