News Summary
A 13-year-old boy from San Antonio has been charged with terrorism after planning a mass shooting at Rhodes Middle School. Authorities found explosives and weapons in his possession, leading to a thorough investigation. His mother has also been implicated for supplying him with dangerous items. This alarming case highlights significant concerns about youth violence and the need for community vigilance.
San Antonio – A 13-year-old boy has been charged with terrorism following allegations that he was planning a mass shooting at Rhodes Middle School. The charges come amid alarming revelations about the teenager’s background and past behavior, prompting a serious investigation by local authorities and the FBI.
The boy, whose identity has not been released due to his age, has a criminal history, including an arson incident in June 2023, where he was accused of setting an apartment complex on fire. Surveillance footage reportedly shows him entering a storage facility at the complex shortly before the fire erupted, and witnesses recognized him alongside his mother, Ashley Pardo, who lived in the building.
Following a months-long investigation that included cooperation from the San Antonio police and the FBI, authorities were alerted by a family member who discovered explosives, gun ammunition, and tactical gear in the teenager’s possession. This alarming find, coupled with the boy’s reported fascination with mass shooters, raised significant concerns among law enforcement.
Ashley Pardo faces charges of supplying her son with dangerous weapons and gear, allegedly endorsing his violent interests. She was arrested last week and later released on bond, with the condition that she have no contact with her son while the case is ongoing.
The teenager is scheduled to appear in court on May 22 to face the terrorism charges. His troubling behavior has been under scrutiny, as he had previously drawn a “suicide route” map of the school and conducted research on mass shootings while being suspended from school. Furthermore, he attempted suicide after the suspension, which required him to receive significant medical attention.
A grandmother’s discovery of loaded magazines, an improvised explosive device, and a list of notorious mass shooters in the boy’s room further underscored the danger he posed. During an interaction with his grandmother, he mentioned wanting to be “famous” and used a reference tied to a white supremacist slogan.
Additionally, Ashley Pardo is alleged to have taken her son to purchase military surplus items and gave him ammunition in exchange for babysitting his siblings. Reports suggest that her social media activity aligns with troubling themes, showcasing imagery associated with drug dealers. The family has a history with Child Protective Services, which had previously been involved due to other issues within the household.
Law enforcement officials emphasized the importance of their intervention in preventing potential violence at the school before any harm could occur. While it remains unclear if the teenager arrived at school armed, authorities confirmed there was a significant risk involved based on the evidence gathered.
As the case unfolds, the community grapples with the implications of such alarming behavior originating from such a young individual. The response from law enforcement serves as a reminder of the critical need for vigilance and proactive measures in ensuring the safety of schools and their surrounding communities.
Support and resources are available for families facing similar situations, emphasizing the crucial role of early intervention and community awareness in preventing tragedies.
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Additional Resources
- KENS 5 San Antonio
- Wikipedia: Terrorism in the United States
- News 4 San Antonio
- Google Search: Ashley Pardo case
- San Antonio Express-News
- Google Scholar: Juvenile delinquency and terrorism
- News 4 San Antonio
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School shootings
- Fox 7 Austin
- Google News: Ashley Pardo
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.
