SAN ANTONIO, TX – Authorities have arrested a Rhodes Middle School student suspected of planning a mass shooting, with allegations that his mother supplied him with the necessary resources. The incident has left parents in the community both relieved and concerned as they learn more details about the thwarted plan.
According to an arrest warrant, the 13-year-old’s mother, Ashley Pardo, 33, faces charges related to aiding and abetting terrorism. The situation came to light when the child’s grandmother discovered alarming items in his room, including loaded magazines, an improvised explosive device, and a note outlining a potential mass shooting.
The grandmother promptly alerted the police, leading to the arrest of both the student and his mother. Authorities allege that Pardo provided her son with ammunition and tactical gear in exchange for babysitting his younger siblings. This revelation has sparked outrage and fear among parents and educators in the area.
This isn’t the first time the student has faced disciplinary action. In April, school officials caught him researching mass shootings on a school computer, resulting in a temporary transfer to an alternative school. He returned to the main campus on May 8, raising concerns over his behavior and intentions.
One parent expressed gratitude for the grandmother’s intervention, acknowledging the potential tragedy that was averted. “I thank God and I thank her for that because anything could have happened,” she said. “We could have lost our children, and it’s a terrifying thought.”
On the day of his arrest, the teen reportedly arrived at school wearing tactical gear, including a camouflage jacket, mask, and pants, before abruptly leaving the campus. Police later located him off school grounds and took him into custody.
The student now faces terrorism-related charges, and the community awaits further details as the investigation continues. Authorities emphasize the importance of vigilance and communication in preventing such incidents.