Officials Say Texas Mother Supported Son’s Planned School Attack

Authorities have revealed shocking details following the arrest of a Texas mother.

She is accused of aiding her teenage son in preparing for what officials describe as a plan for “mass targeted violence” at his middle school.

Prior Warning Signs

According to court documents, this isn’t the first time the young man’s behavior had raised alarms.

Back in January, officials were contacted regarding disturbing drawings made by the son.

These included a map of his school, labeled chillingly as a “suicide route.”

The school’s name also appeared next to an image of a rifle in these drawings.

At the time, the unnamed 13-year-old was interviewed by officials.

He reportedly expressed a “fascination with past mass shooters.”

The concerns deepened in April.

The son was discovered researching the 2019 Christchurch mosque shooting, which resulted in 51 deaths, on a school computer.

Following this discovery, he was suspended from school.

Later that same day, he reportedly attempted suicide, sustaining significant injuries that required over 100 stitches.

He subsequently attended an alternative school until early May.

A Grandmother’s Alarm

The situation came to a head when the boy was staying with his grandmother.

On Monday, the grandmother contacted police after finding him engaged in a deeply concerning activity: hitting a live bullet with a hammer.

When questioned, the middle schooler told her he had received the bullet from his mother, Ashley Pardo.

He also claimed his mother had guns and ammunition at her house.

The grandmother further alleged that Pardo had been taking the boy to a local surplus store.

Cache Uncovered

During these trips, Ms. Pardo allegedly purchased various items for her son.

These included magazines for firearms, a tactical black vest, a tactical black helmet, and assorted army clothing.

Just before being picked up by his mother to go to school on Monday, the boy allegedly told his grandmother he was “going to be famous.”

Prompted by her growing fears, the grandmother then searched the boy’s bedroom.

What she discovered was alarming.

Among his belongings, she found magazines loaded with live rifle ammunition.

She also located pistol magazines, also loaded with live ammunition.

Even more disturbing was the discovery of an “improvised explosive device.”

The device, described as a mortar-style firework wrapped in duct tape, bore chilling inscriptions.

Written on it were the words “For Brenton Tarrant,” a direct reference to the perpetrator of the 2019 mosque attack.

It also displayed multiple “SS” symbols and the phrase “14 words,” known symbols associated with white supremacy.

A handwritten note was also found.

The note reportedly referenced previous mass shootings, listed suspects, and noted the number of victims in each incident.

Officials state that Ashley Pardo, 33, was allegedly fully aware of her son’s threats.

She reportedly expressed support for his “violent expressions and drawings” to the school.

Furthermore, she allegedly told school officials she was not concerned about his behavior.

The affidavit suggests Pardo was buying the gear and ammunition for her son in exchange for him babysitting his younger siblings.

Community Notified

On Monday, the day of Pardo’s arrest, school officials noted the boy arrived at Rhodes Middle School wearing a camouflage jacket, mask, and tactical pants.

He left shortly after arriving.

In a letter to parents, Principal Felismina Martinez confirmed the boy was “detained off-campus and is being charged with terrorism.”

Martinez assured parents,

“Please know we take all potential threats seriously and act immediately to protect everyone in our care. We will always remain vigilant to ensure our learning and working environment is safe and secure.”

Ashley Pardo was arrested and charged with aiding in the commission of terrorism.

She has since been released on a $75,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court in July.

Authorities confirmed the teenage son remains in custody at the Bexar County Juvenile Detention Facility pending a judicial decision.

The investigation into the alleged plot continues.