Mom accused of buying ammo, tactical gear for son who threatened mass violence
Ashley Pardo (Bexar County Sheriff's Office)
A Texas mother was arrested for reportedly buying ammunition and tactical gear for her 13-year-old son who had repeatedly shown a desire to "commit acts of mass violence" at his middle school.
According to a San Antonio police affidavit obtained by LiveNow from FOX, 33-year-old Ashley Pardo was arrested Monday and charged with aiding in commission of terrorism. Police believe she was "facilitating" her son’s threats to carry out mass targeted violence.
The child’s grandmother is the one who reported the situation to police.
Mother ‘supports’ son’s violent expressions
What we know:
Pardo’s contact with police dates back to January, when her son was found with drawings that included a map of his middle school labeled "suicide route," with a rifle drawn above it. When questioned at school, the teen "described a fascination with past mass shooters to include their manifestos."
A few months later, in April, the teen was suspended for researching the Christchurch mosque shootings in New Zealand on a school-issued computer. Police say the teen attempted suicide later that day, "causing significant injuries and requiring over 100 stitches."
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He was transferred to an alternative school and returned to his middle school May 7. A few days later, the teen’s grandmother, who he stays with sometimes, called police after finding magazines loaded with live rifle ammunition, a tactical black vest capable of concealing ballistic plates, a tactical black helmet and various camouflage clothing.
He told his grandmother he was "going to be famous" and referenced "14 words," the most popular white supremacist slogan in the world. His grandmother also found a note on the kitchen table with the names of people who have committed mass shootings.
Police say Pardo has been in "constant contact, albeit dismissive" with law enforcement, child protective services and school officials.
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Pardo has expressed support for her son’s "violent expressions and drawings and does not feel concerned for his behavior," the affidavit states. She reportedly bought her son the tactical gear and ammo in exchange for babysitting his younger siblings.
What we don't know:
As of Monday, the teen’s whereabouts were unknown. Detectives went to his middle school the day his mother was arrested, but they learned that he had arrived at school wearing a mask, camouflage jacket and tactical pants, then left shortly after.
What they're saying:
School officials told police they fear the teen may return to "commit acts of mass targeted violence."
"Due to the recent developments, the school has added extra security to include extra police officers, sweeps of the grounds for potential devices," the police report says.
The Source: This report includes information from a San Antonio Police Department arrest affidavit. The booking photo for Ashley Pardo was provided by the Bexar County Sheriff's Office.