In a deeply unsettling case from San Antonio, Texas, 33-year-old Ashley Pardo has been charged with aiding in the commission of terrorism after allegedly assisting her 13-year-old son in planning a mass attack at his middle school. This marks the first instance in Bexar County where a parent faces terrorism-related charges for facilitating a child’s violent intentions.
Authorities allege that Pardo knowingly purchased ammunition and tactical gear for her son, despite being aware of his fascination with mass shootings and violent ideologies. Reports indicate that she took him to a military surplus store to buy items such as a tactical vest, helmet, and magazines. In exchange, the boy was expected to babysit his younger siblings. This transactional arrangement has raised serious concerns about parental responsibility and awareness.
The teenager had exhibited multiple red flags over several months. In January, he was found drawing violent images, including a map of his school labeled “suicide route.” In April, he was suspended for researching the 2019 Christchurch mosque shootings on a school computer. Following his suspension, he attempted suicide, requiring significant medical attention. Despite these incidents and interventions from school officials and Child Protective Services, Pardo reportedly remained dismissive of the concerns raised about her son’s behavior.
The situation escalated when the boy’s grandmother discovered him striking a live bullet with a hammer and found a homemade explosive device in his room, adorned with white supremacist symbols and references to known mass shooters. She immediately alerted authorities. On May 12, the boy arrived at school wearing tactical gear but left shortly after. He was later detained off-campus. Pardo was arrested the same day.
Pardo has been released on a $75,000 bond and placed under house arrest, with conditions including weekly drug and alcohol testing and a prohibition on possessing firearms or incendiary devices. Her son remains in juvenile detention, facing terrorism charges. The case has prompted discussions about the role of parents in preventing youth violence and the legal responsibilities they bear.
San Antonio Police Chief William McManus emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that Pardo’s behavior was “not only dangerous, it’s abhorrent, especially as a parent.” The school has since implemented heightened security measures to ensure student safety.
This case underscores the importance of parental vigilance and the need for timely intervention when warning signs emerge. It also highlights the potential consequences of neglecting such signs, not only for the individuals directly involved but for the broader community. As legal proceedings continue, the situation serves as a stark reminder of the critical role parents play in monitoring and guiding their children’s behavior.
