• Texas mother helped son plan school attack by buying him ammo and tactical gear, ignoring clear warning signs.
• The boy researched mass shootings and made violent threats before attempting suicide.
• Police found loaded magazines, an explosive device, and hate symbols in his room.

Police in Texas arrested a mother for helping her son plan a violent school attack. Officials said Ashley Pardo, 33, bought her son tactical gear and live ammunition. Her son planned to carry out “mass targeted violence” at Rhodes Middle School in San Antonio. She now faces a charge for aiding in the commission of terrorism. Authorities said she knew about the threats and still chose to support him. She did not show concern about his behavior. She even defended his violent drawings at school.

School Officials Raised First Concerns in January

The case began back in January. School staff contacted officials after finding disturbing drawings. The boy had drawn a map of the school and labeled it “suicide route.” He also wrote the school’s name next to a sketch of a rifle. Police later learned the boy showed a strong interest in past mass shooters. He talked about them and studied them. In April, he used a school computer to research the 2019 Christchurch mosque shooting in New Zealand. That attack killed 51 people. School leaders took action and suspended the boy.

Boy Attempted Suicide on Day of Suspension

Later that same day, the boy tried to take his own life. He used a straight razor to harm himself. Doctors treated him for deep cuts that required over 100 stitches. After that incident, the boy switched to an alternative school. He stayed there until early May. Police learned he often stayed with his grandmother. She started noticing dangerous behavior and eventually contacted authorities.

Grandmother Found Ammunition and Explosives

On May 12, the boy’s grandmother saw him hitting a bullet with a hammer. She quickly called police. She told them the boy got the bullet from his mother. The boy also said his mom had guns and more ammunition at her home. The grandmother told officers that Pardo had taken her son to a local army surplus store. There, she bought him magazines, tactical gear, a black vest that could hold ballistic plates, and military-style clothing.

Boy Wanted to Become “Famous”

The boy told his grandmother that he was “going to be famous.” Then, Pardo picked him up and dropped him off at school. He wore a camouflage jacket, a mask, and tactical pants. He left the school shortly after arriving. Concerned, the grandmother searched his room. She found several loaded magazines for rifles and pistols. She also found a homemade explosive device. It was a firework wrapped in duct tape.

Explosive Device Contained Hate Symbols

Police said the explosive had disturbing messages written on it. The words “For Brenton Tarrant” were visible, referring to the Christchurch shooter. It also had “SS” symbols and the phrase “14 words,” both tied to white supremacy. Officers also found a handwritten note in the room. The note listed other mass shootings, the attackers’ names, and the number of people killed in each one.

Mother Ignored Warnings and Supported Violence

Officials said Pardo knew about her son’s threats. She told school staff she supported his violent drawings and did not express fear or concern about his actions. She gave him tactical gear and ammo in exchange for babysitting his younger siblings. Police say this exchange clearly shows her involvement and support.

School Responded Quickly and Took Action

After the boy’s arrest, Rhodes Middle School sent a letter to parents. Principal Felismina Martinez told families that police had detained the student off-campus. He now faces terrorism charges. She also assured families that the school takes all threats seriously. The staff will continue to protect students and keep the campus safe.

Mother Released from Jail and Awaits Court Date

Ashley Pardo left jail on a $75,000 bond. She will appear in court again on July 17 for a pre-indictment hearing. Police are still investigating the case. Officials said they will continue working to stop violent threats before anyone gets hurt.