Texas high school student planned ‘mass violence,’ police allege: His mom bought him guns and ammunition

A chilling case has stunned San Antonio, Texas, where police arrested 33-year-old Ashley Pardo on charges of aiding in the commission of terrorism. Police allege Pardo helped her teenage son plan a mass shooting at Rhodes Middle School. Authorities say Pardo supplied her son with firearms, ammunition, and tactical gear, fully aware of his violent intentions.

The plot came to light on May 12, 2025, when the boy’s grandmother discovered him striking a live bullet with a hammer. Further investigation revealed a cache of weapons, a makeshift explosive device, and a manifesto referencing past mass shootings and white supremacist symbols in his room, according to CNN.

The teen had previously been suspended for drawing violent imagery and researching mass shootings, and he had attempted suicide. Despite these red flags, Pardo allegedly dismissed concerns raised by school officials and law enforcement. 

“Obviously, she was more concerned about spending time at the tattoo parlor”

According to affidavits, Pardo not only ignored warnings about her son’s behavior but actively facilitated his plans by purchasing weapons and gear in exchange for him babysitting his siblings. She was aware of his desire to achieve notoriety through “mass targeted violence” and still chose to support his actions. 

Pardo was arrested and charged with aiding in the commission of terrorism, marking the first such charge in Bexar County. She was released on a $75,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on July 17. Her son faces similar terrorism charges and remains in juvenile detention. 

The incident has prompted Rhodes Middle School to implement heightened security measures and has raised serious concerns about the role of adults in preventing or enabling violent plots, especially involving minors. Authorities credit swift interagency collaboration and the efforts of the recently formed Behavior Threat Assessment Group for preventing a potential tragedy.

This is not Pardo’s first encounter with child welfare authorities. In 2019, she and her husband were involved in a high-profile case where their son was removed from their home by Child Protective Services (CPS). Though all charges were eventually dropped and the family was removed from the Child Abuse Registry, the case drew international attention and criticism of CPS practices.