A Texas mother was arrested after buying ammunition and tactical gear for her middle school son’s planned school attack, in exchange for childcare services from the would-be shooter.
Key Takeaways
- Ashley Pardo has been charged with aiding in the commission of terrorism after allegedly purchasing ammunition and tactical gear for her son’s planned school attack in San Antonio.
- The boy’s grandmother prevented a potential tragedy by alerting police after finding live ammunition and a homemade explosive with the name of an Australian mosque attacker written on it.
- Prior to his detention, the boy had drawn a “suicide route” map of his school, researched mass shootings, and told his grandmother he was “going to be famous.”
- Despite being informed of her son’s violent obsessions by school officials and law enforcement, Pardo allegedly remained supportive of his behaviors and even facilitated his plans.
- This case highlights a growing trend of holding parents legally accountable for their children’s violent actions or planned attacks.
Mother Charged After Enabling Son’s Violent Plot
Ashley Pardo of San Antonio faces serious terrorism charges after authorities say she purchased ammunition and tactical gear for her middle school-aged son who was planning “mass targeted violence” at his school. According to prosecutors, Pardo “intentionally and knowingly aided” her son’s plans to attack Rhodes Middle School, part of the San Antonio Independent School District. The investigation revealed that the mother was fully aware of her son’s violent obsessions, having been previously informed by both school officials and law enforcement, yet she continued to support his concerning behavior.
San Antonio Police Chief William McManus stated that the boy had “expressed a fascination with mass shootings” and confirmed that “his mother bought him the bullet and tactical gear.” Even more disturbing, McManus noted that when confronted about her son’s behavior, “she appeared to be dismissive and unconcerned with her son’s behavior.” The criminal complaint further reveals that Pardo agreed to purchase the items for her son in exchange for him providing babysitting services for his younger siblings, showing a complete disregard for the potential consequences of her actions.
Grandmother’s Vigilance Prevented Tragedy
A potential mass tragedy was averted thanks to the vigilance of the boy’s grandmother, who discovered live ammunition and a homemade explosive device in his possession and immediately contacted authorities. Police reports indicate the explosive had the name of an Australian mosque attacker from 2019 written on it, suggesting ideological motivation. On the morning he planned to carry out his attack, the boy chillingly told his grandmother he was “going to be famous” before leaving for school, prompting her to take immediate action that led to his detention before he could reach campus.
“Please know we take all potential threats seriously and act immediately to protect everyone in our care,” Principal Felismina Martinez told parents in a letter after the incident.
The boy had a documented history of concerning behavior. In January, he drew what authorities described as a “suicide route” map of his school and was subsequently suspended for researching mass shootings on a school computer. Following this suspension, the boy attempted suicide the same day and was subsequently placed in an alternative school before returning to Rhodes Middle School in May. Despite these clear warning signs, his mother allegedly continued to enable his dangerous plans rather than seeking appropriate intervention.
Growing Trend of Parental Accountability
This case represents a growing trend across the United States of holding parents accountable for their children’s violent actions or planned attacks. Legal experts point to the precedent-setting case in Michigan where the parents of a school shooter were convicted of involuntary manslaughter for providing their son with a firearm despite clear warning signs of his dangerous mental state. Similarly, a Georgia father recently faced charges after his son brought weapons to school with apparent intent to cause harm.
“The boy’s planning to commit a crime of violence… put other students in further fear of serious bodily injury,” stated a police document, highlighting the serious nature of the planned attack.
Pardo has been released on bail under strict conditions including wearing a GPS monitor, remaining at home, submitting to weekly drug and alcohol testing, and being prohibited from possessing firearms. Her court date is set for July 17, where she will face charges that could result in significant prison time. The case serves as a stark reminder that parents have a fundamental responsibility to prevent their children from engaging in violent behavior, rather than enabling it – a responsibility that, when ignored, can now carry serious legal consequences.
