by | Published
A San Antonio mother, 33-year-old Ashley Pardo, has been arrested and charged with aiding in the commission of terrorism after allegedly facilitating her son's threats of mass violence against Rhodes Middle School.
According to investigators, Pardo's son, who had a reported fascination with previous mass shootings, was found to be in possession of ammunition, a makeshift explosive device, and tactical gear that his mother allegedly purchased for him.
The alarming situation unfolded on Monday, May 12th, when the student arrived at the Rhodes Middle School campus wearing a mask, camouflage jacket, and tactical pants before leaving shortly after. This prompted school officials to implement heightened security measures, including additional police officers and a campus sweep for potential devices, as the student's whereabouts were initially unknown. The student was later located off-campus and charged with terrorism by school officials.
The day prior, on Sunday, a concerned family member contacted the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) regarding items found in the possession of Pardo's son. These items included rifle and pistol ammunition, black tactical gear, and an improvised explosive device constructed from a mortar-style firework. The family member also reported finding three loaded magazines and a note containing the names of several mass shooters. Detectives noted that some of the items were inscribed with "14 words" and "SS" symbols, which are associated with white supremacy language and past mass shootings.
Police revealed that Pardo had been previously approached by local law enforcement, child protective services, and school officials regarding her son's concerning behavior. In January, school staff became aware of drawings made by Pardo's son depicting the school's name alongside a rifle and a campus map labeled "suicide route" with timestamps.
Further concerning behavior included the student's suspension in April after he was discovered researching the 2020 Christchurch mosque shooting on a school-issued computer and expressing a "fascination with past mass shooters," according to an arrest affidavit.
The affidavit also states that Pardo "expressed to the school her support" of her son's "violent expressions and drawings" and did not appear concerned by his behavior. Investigators believe her support and alleged provision of tactical gear and ammunition facilitated her son's desire to carry out threats.
Pardo was issued a $75,000 bond, which she posted on Tuesday and has since been released from the Bexar County Jail. Both Pardo and her son are now under legal scrutiny.
Rhodes Middle School Principal Felismina Martinez sent a letter to parents on Monday, assuring them that all potential threats are taken seriously and that immediate action is taken to ensure the safety of students and staff.
