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Texas Mom Accused of Buying Ammo, Tactical Gear for Son’s Planned School Attack

A Texas mother has been arrested for allegedly helping her son prepare for a planned act of “mass targeted violence” at his middle school by purchasing ammunition and tactical equipment, according to authorities.

Ashley Pardo, 33, was taken into custody on Monday and charged with aiding in the commission of terrorism. Authorities allege she provided her son with tactical gear and ammunition, despite his disturbing behavior and intentions targeting Rhodes Middle School in San Antonio, an affidavit obtained by ABC News revealed.

The case first came to light in January, when school officials contacted the boy over “drawings of the local school,” according to the affidavit. These included a labeled map with the words “suicide route” and a rifle sketched beside the school’s name.

Investigators say the boy, whose name remains undisclosed, expressed an interest in past mass shooters when questioned.

By April, the child was caught using a school-issued computer to research the 2019 Christchurch mosque attack in New Zealand, where 51 people were killed. Later that same day, the boy reportedly attempted suicide with a straight razor, suffering serious injuries that required over 100 stitches, the affidavit stated.

After the suicide attempt, he was moved to an alternative school where he stayed until May 7, officials noted.

On Monday, his grandmother—with whom he occasionally stayed—called police after discovering him striking a live bullet with a hammer. The boy allegedly told her the bullet came from his mother, Pardo, who also had guns and ammunition at her home.

The grandmother said Pardo had been taking the boy to a local surplus store and bought him tactical magazines, a black vest capable of concealing ballistic plates, a black tactical helmet, and military-style clothing, the affidavit revealed.

According to officials, the boy also told his grandmother that day, “I’m going to be famous,” before Pardo picked him up and took him to school.

Searching his room, the grandmother discovered rifle magazines loaded with live rounds and pistol magazines also filled with ammunition. She also found what appeared to be an improvised explosive device—a mortar-style firework wrapped in duct tape, marked with the words “For Brenton Tarrant” (referring to the 2019 mosque shooter). The device was also decorated with white supremacist symbols, including multiple “SS” marks and the “14 words” phrase, the affidavit said.

Among the disturbing items, authorities also found a handwritten note referencing past mass shootings, the attackers behind them, and victim counts.

Officials said Pardo was fully aware of her son’s threats and even voiced support for his violent drawings and behavior to school staff. The affidavit claimed she showed no concern about his actions, and admitted to purchasing the equipment in exchange for babysitting help with her younger children.

Rhodes Middle School officials said the boy arrived Monday in a camouflage jacket, mask, and tactical pants, and left shortly after.

In a letter sent to parents that day, Principal Felismina Martinez confirmed the boy had been detained off-campus and was being charged with terrorism.

“Please know we take all potential threats seriously and act immediately to protect everyone in our care,” Martinez wrote. “We will always remain vigilant to ensure our learning and working environment is safe and secure.”

Pardo was released on $75,000 bond on Tuesday, according to court documents. She is scheduled to appear in court for a pre-indictment hearing on July 17.

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