A Texas mother is accused of buying ammunition and tactical gear for her son, who investigators say was planning “mass targeted violence” at a San Antonio school, according to an arrest affidavit. Ashley Pardo, 33, was arrested Monday and charged with aiding in commission of terrorism. Authorities say she provided her son material support and resources with the knowledge they would be used to plan and carry out an attack. The alleged plot placed Jeremiah Rhodes Middle School “in further fear of serious bodily injury,” according to a Bexar County arrest affidavit obtained by CNN affiliate KSAT. Despite being contacted by local law enforcement, child protective services and school personnel - and knowing about her son’s desire to “commit acts of mass violence” - Pardo told the school she was not concerned about his behavior, the affidavit says. Authorities say she purchased tactical gear, ammunition and supplies for her son in exchange for babysitting his younger siblings. She “intentionally and knowingly aided” her son, the affidavit states. “The Defendant’s refusal to see [her son’s] concerning behavior and her assistance in gathering items for him that have been found to have been used in other acts of mass targeted violence, it is believed she is facilitating the [boy’s] desire to carry out his threats,” authorities said in the affidavit. Pardo’s bond was set at $75,000 and she was released from Bexar County Jail Tuesday after posting bail, county records show. Her next court appearance is set for July 17. She has requested a court-appointed attorney. CNN has reached out to Pardo and the public defender’s office for comment. According to the affidavit, on May 12, the boy went to school “wearing a mask, camouflage jacket and tactical pants,” then left shortly afterwards. When authorities were unable to locate him, school officials feared he might return to carry out an attack, the affidavit says. Extra security was put in place, including deploying additional police officers and sweeping the campus for potential devices, authorities said. The student was later detained off-campus, the school said in a Monday letter to parents. CNN has reached out to the San Antonio Police Department for more information. “Please know we take all potential threats seriously and act immediately to protect everyone in our care,” the school’s principal said in the letter. “We will always remain vigilant to ensure our learning and working environment is safe and secure. Student safety is a top priority at SAISD schools, and we want to keep families informed of situations as soon as we are able.” The affidavit says on Monday, the student’s grandmother reported to San Antonio police that she found troubling items in her home in her grandson’s bedroom. According to the affidavit, the grandmother learned the previous day that Pardo gave him ammunition. She told authorities Pardo had taken him to a local surplus store and bought him tactical gear including magazines, a tactical vest capable of concealing ballistic plates, a tactical helmet and army clothing. She also found magazines loaded with live ammunition, along with a homemade explosive device made from a mortar-style firework, according to the affidavit. Written on the device was “For Brenton Tarrant,” a white supremacist who shot and killed 51 people at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand in 2019. Authorities said it also included the phrase “14 words” and multiple “SS” symbols, all linked to white supremacist ideology. The boy’s grandmother also found a handwritten note with what appeared to be the names of mass shooters and the number of victims from each shooting, the affidavit said. On Monday morning, before going to school, he told her he was “going to be famous” and referenced “14 words,” the affidavit said. This was not the first time school officials had been concerned with the boy’s behavior. In January, school staff found concerning drawings from the student that included a map labeled “suicide route,” the school’s name written with a rifle, and several timestamps, according to the affidavit. When questioned, the student “described a fascination with past mass shooters, including their manifestos,” the affidavit said. About a month ago, the boy was suspended for using a school-issued computer to research the New Zealand mosque shootings, according to the affidavit. “It has been expressed to the Defendant the concerns of her child’s expression and desire to commit acts of mass violence,” the affidavit said about Pardo. “The Defendant expressed to the school her support of [her son’s] violent expressions and drawings and does not feel concerned for his behavior.” The student attended an alternative school in April, according to the affidavit. When he returned to Rhodes Middle School in May, officials implemented a security plan due to ongoing concerns about potential targeted violence, the affidavit states. CNN has reached out to the school and the San Antonio Independent School District for comment.
A mom is accused of buying ammunition and tactical gear for her son, who authorities say was planning ‘mass targeted violence’ at a Texas school
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Texas Mother Arrested for Allegedly Aiding Son's School Violence Plot"
CNN
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TruthLens AI Summary
A Texas mother, Ashley Pardo, has been arrested for allegedly purchasing ammunition and tactical gear for her son, who is accused of planning a violent attack at a San Antonio school. According to an arrest affidavit, Pardo, 33, faces charges of aiding in the commission of terrorism after providing her son with resources that were intended for a potential mass shooting. Investigators noted that despite previous warnings from law enforcement and school officials regarding her son’s concerning behavior, Pardo reportedly dismissed these concerns, telling the school she was not worried about his actions. The affidavit details that she exchanged babysitting her son’s younger siblings for the purchase of tactical items, emphasizing her awareness of her son’s intent to commit violence. Authorities highlighted that her actions could be seen as facilitating her son’s violent aspirations, especially given the items she acquired, which have been associated with other mass violence incidents.
The situation escalated further when the boy's grandmother reported finding alarming items in his bedroom, including a homemade explosive device and materials linked to white supremacist ideology. The boy had previously exhibited troubling behavior, such as wearing tactical clothing to school and expressing a desire to be 'famous' in connection with acts of violence. School officials had been alerted multiple times regarding his fascination with mass shootings, including a previous suspension for researching the Christchurch mosque attacks. As a result of the ongoing concerns, the school had implemented a security plan to protect students. Pardo's bond is set at $75,000, and she has requested a public defender. Her next court appearance is scheduled for July 17, as the community grapples with the implications of the alleged plot and the role of parental responsibility in preventing potential acts of violence.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The recent news report centers on a Texas mother, Ashley Pardo, who has been accused of purchasing ammunition and tactical gear for her son, allegedly planning a violent attack at a school. This incident raises critical questions about parental responsibility, the involvement of law enforcement, and broader societal implications surrounding gun violence and mental health.
Intent Behind the Publication
The aim of this report appears to be to highlight the alarming trend of youth violence and the potential complicity of guardians in such situations. By detailing the mother’s alleged actions, the article seeks to provoke a reaction from the community, emphasizing the need for vigilance and preventive measures against potential threats in schools.
Perception Management
This news piece is likely intended to create a sense of fear and urgency within the community regarding school safety. It sheds light on the troubling reality of parental involvement in enabling violent behaviors, thereby stirring public concern and debate about how to better protect children in educational environments.
Omitted Context
While the article focuses on the mother’s alleged actions, it does not extensively explore the son’s mental health or the underlying issues that may have led to his violent thoughts. This might lead to a one-dimensional understanding of the situation, obscuring the complexities often involved in such cases.
Manipulation Assessment
The report carries a moderate level of manipulative potential. Its presentation of the mother’s actions as directly facilitating her son’s violent intentions could evoke strong emotional responses. The use of terms like “mass targeted violence” and “terrorism” in this context may amplify public anxiety and lead to calls for more stringent measures against perceived threats.
Truthfulness of the Report
The factual basis of the article appears sound, as it references an arrest affidavit and includes statements from law enforcement. However, the framing of the mother’s actions may influence how readers interpret the severity and implications of the situation.
Public Sentiment
The narrative is likely to resonate more with communities already concerned about gun violence, especially in educational settings. It may also appeal to those advocating for stricter gun control measures and increased mental health support for youth.
Economic and Political Ramifications
This report could potentially influence public opinion regarding gun control legislation and school safety policies. If it gains traction, it may prompt discussions within political spheres about funding for mental health services and security measures in schools, which could have broader economic implications.
Stock Market Impact
While this news might not have immediate effects on stock prices, companies involved in security systems for schools or mental health services could see shifts in investor interest. The public reaction may influence stock performance in these sectors as discussions around safety intensify.
Global Context
In a broader sense, the incident ties into ongoing discussions about youth violence and gun control in the United States, which is a recurring theme in global news. This specific case may not have direct international implications but reflects a larger issue that resonates across various nations.
AI Involvement
There is no clear indication that artificial intelligence was used in drafting this news piece. However, if AI were involved, it could have influenced the language used to frame the narrative, potentially emphasizing sensational aspects while downplaying others.
In summary, while the article is based on factual events, the way it presents the story could lead to heightened fears surrounding school safety. The framing of the mother’s actions and the implications of her alleged complicity in her son’s plans may manipulate public perception, contributing to ongoing discussions about violence and prevention in society.