San Antonio mother charged with aiding son’s school shooting plan

A Texas mother and her 13-year-old son are both in custody after police say she helped him prepare for a planned school shooting at his San Antonio middle school. The teen is accused of plotting violence inspired by white supremacist ideology, and his mother is now facing historic terrorism-related charges.

In May, panic spread through a San Antonio community when a student at Jeremiah Rhodes Middle School arrived on campus dressed in a mask, camouflage jacket, and tactical pants. Though he left before any violence occurred, police later apprehended the 13-year-old and charged him with a third-degree felony for possession of a prohibited weapon. Authorities suspect he was preparing a mass shooting.

The school district initially allowed the teen to return to class after time in an alternative program, despite prior discoveries of disturbing material, including violent drawings and maps labeled with a “suicide route.”

Who is Ashley Pardo?

Ashley Pardo, 33, is the mother of the accused teen and at least one other child. Authorities allege that she played a direct role in aiding her son’s plan by purchasing him tactical gear, loaded magazines, and ammunition—supposedly as a reward for babysitting his younger siblings.

She’s now charged with aiding in the commission of terrorism, making her the first person in Bexar County history to face such an accusation. A second charge of endangering a child was filed on August 1 after police found a disturbing photo of Pardo pointing a shotgun at her 11-month-old baby, allegedly sent to the child’s father with the message: “Tell her to keep being bad.”

The investigation revealed a deeper, disturbing reality. Police discovered the teen had researched the 2019 Christchurch mosque shooting and idolized its perpetrator. He reportedly told his grandmother—who ultimately alerted authorities—that he intended to become “famous.”

Inside the family’s home, police found white supremacist symbols, references to Nazi ideology, and even an improvised explosive device. Handwritten lists of mass shooters and their victims were also recovered.

According to San Antonio Police Chief William McManus, “There were some very disturbing things found inside that house,” which prompted immediate action by authorities.

What charges do the mother and son face?

Pardo is currently facing two charges: aiding in terrorism and child endangerment through criminal negligence. She was initially released on a $75,000 bond, and a judge has since added a $45,000 bond with conditions that include wearing an ankle monitor, avoiding alcohol, and having no contact with her children.

Her son, still unnamed due to his age, is currently only charged with possession of a prohibited weapon. However, additional charges are expected. A judge denied a request by his grandmother for custody, citing him as a risk to public safety. His next court appearance is scheduled for August 7.

School officials at Rhodes Middle School issued a brief statement via Facebook on May 12, the day of the attempted return to campus. They confirmed that a student had been detained and charged with terrorism, assuring parents that the school took the threat seriously.

However, many parents were left frustrated, saying social media was not an appropriate way to communicate a potential school shooting threat. “This should not be the only way to communicate something like this,” one parent commented. Others criticized the school’s tone, feeling the letter downplayed the gravity of the situation.

In response, the school banned backpacks for the remainder of the academic year.

This case raises difficult questions about parental responsibility, school safety, and early intervention. As authorities continue their investigation, a community is left grappling with how close it came to tragedy—and what can be done to prevent another.